TSE:SLF

Sun Life Financial Inc (SLF.TO)

102.80
+1.38 (1.36%)
as of Jun 5, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
720 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconJun 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) is presently facing a challenging landscape, with mixed reviews from experts highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the company. Some analysts praise its strong management and growth potential in Asia, particularly in asset management, whereas others express concerns regarding its performance in the U.S. dental market and overall growth, particularly as compared to peers like Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC). Despite trading at a lower P/E ratio compared to Canadian banks, some experts argue that the stock's current valuation isn't compelling given the subdued growth prospects. However, SLF is recognized for its consistent dividend growth and stable earnings, and the recent share repurchases are seen as a positive move. Analysts are divided, with some asserting a long-term bullish outlook while others remain cautious pending macroeconomic or company-specific catalysts.

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Consensus
Hold
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Valuation
Fair Value
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Similar
MFC
HOLD
All financials are not the same. Insurance companies have been the place to be recently. It's at support. Stick with the insurance companies but perhaps broaden out which ones you are in to avoid execution risk.
HOLD
Not a bad stock, it's the best of the life insurers. But he's concerned about the financials in general. In for a more difficult time, as spreads are not conducive to profits. Late in the game to buy. Dividend's not bad. Tariffs could cause interest rates to decline even further.
COMMENT

MFC-T is the country's biggest life insurance company. He owns Sunlife instead as he feels it is better managed.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick May 30/18, Up 3%) He liked it then and likes it even more now. Lifecos are a good defensive play at this time, especially when they are all so well capitalized.
TOP PICK
The insurance companies are a fairly defensive position to be in. They have significant excess capital. In the most recent quarter there was new business strain, which leads to profitability later on. This is a reasonable investment to make. (Analysts’ price target is $56.45)
WAIT
This is a solid stock. He did own it and took profits. He would buy back if it got to $50. A good defensive play. Good yield.
BUY
He sold it 8 months ago, but still likes it. It's come back well. Definitely the best Canadian insurer to buy, but he's backing away from Canadian financials as a whole. It's a long-term hold that pays a good dividend. They're on top of the investment markets.
COMMENT
Insurance in a portfolio? He sold their Power Financial holding last year. Following the banking crisis it just has not recovered. It owns GreatWest Life and IGM -- neither has done well. Insurance is a better bet than banks, he thinks. He would prefer SLF-T in Canada and AFG-N in the US.
BUY

Pays a 4% dividend and trades at 1.46 book. They have been diversifyign into welath management and buying a real estate business. Asia has done very well for them, growing at double digits. Well-run.

BUY
Some of the insurers have been performing decently lately. In part because you have a dividend supporting it. 3.8% dividend yield now and sustainable. He likes the space now.
BUY
SLF vs. MFC MFC is the trading stock vs. SLF is the holding stock (more than a year). Long-term, SLF has a smooth chart, and MFC has been jumpy--but you can make money on those big swings.
WATCH
Trading at 10 x earnings with 10-1% growth. Dividend yield is 3.9%. 10% of the revenues come from Asia. Very leveraged to what happens in the equity markets. Watch where it stands to the 200-day moving average.
BUY
It should be going higher. We are seeing a period of rising interest rates which the lifecos should benefit from. There is a reverse head and shoulder pattern. It is very bullish. It should test at $51/52. Buyers are stepping in to accumulate the stock. It is poised for further upside in 20/21.
COMMENT
They've done well in recent years by being conservative and taking little risk in some of their businesses. That's resulted in good dividends and earnings that aren't as volatile as their peers. However, their growth isn't as strong. Asian has been a bright spot for them. Overall, it's a decent company and it's safe in a volatile market, but this isn't the highest growth stock around.
COMMENT
Is China hurting MFC-T? He owned MFC-T going into the 2008 crisis. But when the management announced they had taken on undue risk, he exited. They have never really reemerged from this. They were too exposed to equity markets back then, and decided to exit equities just as the market rallied to all time highs. He thinks there are better opportunities out there -- like SLF-T.
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