TSE:SLF

Sun Life Financial Inc (SLF.TO)

113.18
-0.63 (0.55%)
as of Jul 10, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
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Investor Insights
star iconJul 12, 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 experienced a mixture of positive and cautionary sentiments from various analysts. While the company has a solid business model leveraging growth in asset management and insurance, challenges remain, particularly in its U.S. dental segment and competition from other insurance entities like Manulife Financial Corp (MFC). Despite a report of weak growth in their asset management sector, SLF continues to show strong underlying performance metrics, although analysts express concern over its private credit exposure which has affected sentiment. The stock trades at a lower price-to-earnings ratio compared to Canadian banks, indicating it may be undervalued, though growth metrics are less impressive. Overall, many consider SLF a reliable long-term holding amidst mixed short-term performance indicators.

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Consensus
Hold
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Valuation
Fair Value
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Similar
MFC
BUY

Trevor Rose’s Insights - Trevor’s most-liked answers from 5i Research. Strong performance in asset management. Growing profits despite higher mortality rates. Increased dividend by 20%. Premium valuation justified. Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free

HOLD
Lifecos are going to benefit from higher interest rates and bond yields. SLF has probably done a better job than MFC over the last decade, but he owns both.
WEAK BUY
Insurance companies as a group are down 20% YTD, while the TSX is down around 12%. Weaker economy hurts. Question is whether it's overly reflected in the sector? GWO tends to trade at a premium, clean earnings. He'd buy the sector, given the nice dividends and low valuations. Second half won't be as bad as the first. He'd go with MFC, trading at 6.5x earnings. Second choice SLF, third GWO.
WEAK BUY
SLF vs. GWO vs. MFC He looks at price to book. MFC is one of the cheapest names out there. GWO is trading at 1.17x, whereas MFC is at 0.87x. SLF is more expensive at 1.4x, but you get the heavier wealth management arm and more exposure to Asia. No issue with GWO, pretty high and secure dividend at 6.3%. On a combination of growth and valuation, he likes MFC more. SLF is on par with GWO as a pick.
HOLD
Financial statements not indicating catalyst for share appreciation. No major problems with company. Is one of the better insurance companies in Canada. Entry into the US market has been good. Rising interest rates is good for insurance business.
BUY ON WEAKNESS
A little more defensive than Manulife. asset management in the U.S.
BUY
SLF vs. ATD'B ATD is doing very well because oil prices are high. Also, they are on the verge of buying a company. Both add to upside. SLF is the best Canadian insurer, with stable, but slow earnings growth. It will benefit from higher interest rates. Buy and put away and own for the dividend. Shares are down 5-10% from last year's high, so good to enter now.
COMMENT
As interest rates rise, lifecos tend to do better. On the other hand, it is offset by weaker equity markets. It will be choppy. For a trade, you could accumulate here. He owns Manulife instead. Range trade this.
BUY
Interest rates going up is generally good for insurance companies. Extremely well managed. One of his favourites in the industry. He'd recommend it today. Priced at the right level now. Yield of just over 4%.
BUY
Allan Tong’s Discover Picks Rising interest rates are an obvious tailwind for insurance companies. SLF Pays a 3.76% dividend at only a 34.45% payout ratio, and trades at merely 10.51x. Its EPS of $6.67 was 62.72% higher than the previous year and leads its peers; MFC’s EPS is $3.54. Read 4 Promising TSX Stocks for our full analysis.
TOP PICK
Very strong financials and management team. Rising interest rate environment will benefit company. Able to consistently grow earnings above 8-10% goal. Catalyst to increase share price might come from improved USA operations. Expecting dividend increases in the future.
BUY
SLF vs. MFC MFC is cheaper, better yield. Rising rates are good for insurance companies broadly, and MFC in particular. Long-term chart shows it has traded higher under normal interest rates conditions. Mild preference for MFC.
BUY
Life insurance in general is undervalued at 8-10x forward earnings. The players in Canada have strong dividend yields. EM focus in Asia and India. Earnings were somewhat disappointing. But longer term, a reasonable investment. His preference is GWO, with more of a mature market focus. See his Top Picks.
BUY
Had Covid impairment charges which is typical across the group. U.S. side is capital light which the market likes. Also closing the dental quest business which is accretive. Price/Growth is good- growing at 11%. Good dividend. Buy when goes quiet.
BUY

Billy Kawasaki’s Insights - Billy’s most-liked answers from 5i Research. Insurance companies tend to do well with higher interest rates. Not too concerned with the sector. As long as the economy stays strong, it should be okay. Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free

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