Sun Life Financial Inc (SLF.TO)

Billy Kawasaki’s Insights - Billy’s most-liked answers from 5i Research. Looks to have faster growth compared to its competitors. It survived the 2008 crisis better than MFC. It is still cheap. A slight premium valuation due to perception as a better company. Good dividend growth record. Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free

SLF vs. MFC With increasing interest rates, either makes a lot of sense right now. He owns SLF. With MFC, you get about twice the exposure to the Asian market. SLF has more exposure to Canada. MFC has more beta, higher dividend, a bit cheaper. With the Asian recovery, MFC could perform a bit better. SLF gives you more stability. SLF yield is 3.5%. MFC yield is 4.5%

Financials as a group will have a tailwind. Good global footprint. Worthwhile place to look. He'd be a buyer. Manulife is also attractive.

Billy Kawasaki’s Insights - Billy’s most-liked answers from 5i Research. The stock provides for income and some growth. They are both considered amongst the top 20 keeper Canadian stock according to 5i. Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free

SLF vs. GWO Insurance companies have done a lot to reduce their risk. GWO is cheaper than SLF, with a higher growth rate, but it hasn't been as steady eddy as SLF. Whole space is pretty cheap. Dividends are safe. Boring area. You can own both, but GWO is the better buy.

GWO vs MFC vs SLF? In general, he thinks all insurance companies are safe here. They don't have the threat of rising loan losses, like the banks do. They trade cheaper than the banks. Capital ratios are solid. They are finding ways to deal with low interest rates. GWO has a good job. MFC is very cheap, compared to its peers. SLF has been the steady eddy of the group. He likes them all. He would buy now, but you might be able to purchase them cheaper in the next couple of months.

MFC-T vs. SLF-T. He would not jump from one to the other unless you have some great knowledge. They are facing lots of headwinds from low interest rates. MFC-T never recovered from the financial crisis. He is not interested in owning the lifecos except BRK-N.

MFC vs SLF He sees a lot of value in the insurance sector. He owns MFC, but there is no flaw in holding SLF either. MFC has growth focused on Asia. Both are undervalued at about 7 times earnings.

RY vs TD vs SLF? He owns both of the banks and he prefers this space over the insurance sector. RY has a stronger approach on the wealth management side, whereas TD focuses on retail customers and has a larger presence in the US. Right now he would favour TD. Canadian banks of been held back as of late because of a unwarranted fear about the housing market in Canada. Dividends with the banks are great too.

SLF vs MFC When he values lifecos, it's on price to book, dividend yield, or price to earnings, rather than price to cash flows. Sun Life trades at a premium. His preferred lifeco is Manulife, because of a discounted valuation plus a better business overall because of its Asian business. Wealth management is also better, and getting a handle on legacy businesses.