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Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSE:SLF)
TSX:SLF

Sun Life Financial (SLF) AI Stock Analysis

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Sun Life Financial

(TSX:SLF)

71Outperform
Sun Life Financial demonstrates strong financial performance with robust revenue growth and stable net income. The stock benefits from positive technical indicators and a moderate valuation with an attractive dividend yield. However, declining cash flows and some operational challenges, particularly in the U.S., present areas for improvement. Overall, Sun Life is well-positioned, showing resilience and strategic growth in key areas.
Positive Factors
Business Model
SLF's Investor Day showcased a winning track record and increased confidence in its ability to accelerate growth due to its capital light/high growth business model.
Regional Growth
In Asia, realizing the potential to build scale in countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and China will help drive continued accelerated growth.
Negative Factors
Earnings Growth
In Canada, recent double-digit growth, strong digital capabilities, and a 20%+ ROE suggest the potential for higher growth than the expected 6% underlying earnings growth.

Sun Life Financial (SLF) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Sun Life Financial Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSun Life Financial Inc. (SLF) is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of wealth management, insurance, and financial planning solutions. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Sun Life operates in numerous markets worldwide, including North America, Asia, and the United Kingdom. The company offers individual and group life insurance, health insurance, investment products, pension plans, and retirement planning services, catering to both individuals and corporate clients.
How the Company Makes MoneySun Life Financial generates revenue through several key streams. The primary sources include premiums from life and health insurance policies, fees from wealth and asset management services, and investment income from managing assets and portfolios. The company's insurance segment earns money through the sale of individual and group insurance products, where clients pay regular premiums for coverage. In the wealth and asset management sector, Sun Life collects fees based on the assets under management (AUM) and performance of the investment products they offer. Additionally, investment income is earned from the company's own investment portfolio, which includes bonds, equities, and real estate. Strategic partnerships, especially in Asia, and a focus on digital transformation and innovation, further support Sun Life's growth and profitability.

Sun Life Financial Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Sun Life Financial shows resilience with strong revenue growth and stable net income. However, the decrease in cash flows and the increasing debt-to-equity ratio highlight areas for potential improvement. The balance sheet remains robust, supporting the company's financial health, but cash flow management needs attention to ensure sustained growth.
Income Statement
78
Positive
Sun Life Financial has demonstrated consistent revenue growth over the years, with a significant increase from $30.85 billion in 2023 to $36.80 billion in 2024. The net profit margin is stable, with net income remaining robust at approximately $3.17 billion. However, the absence of EBIT and EBITDA figures for 2024 limits the analysis of profitability efficiency.
Balance Sheet
72
Positive
The company's balance sheet reflects a solid equity position with a debt-to-equity ratio that remains manageable, although it increased slightly to 0.58 in 2024. Equity ratio stands at 7.03%, indicating a relatively low proportion of equity financing compared to total assets. Despite this, Sun Life Financial maintains a strong asset base, which supports its financial stability.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
The cash flow analysis shows a decline in operating cash flow from $5.61 billion in 2023 to $2.53 billion in 2024. The free cash flow decreased similarly, reflecting potential challenges in cash generation. The operating cash flow to net income ratio decreased, indicating less cash being generated from operations relative to net income.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
36.80B30.85B23.21B35.69B43.34B
Gross Profit
36.80B32.66B23.21B35.69B43.34B
EBIT
0.0020.85B4.31B4.55B3.28B
EBITDA
0.005.08B4.79B6.93B4.07B
Net Income Common Stockholders
3.17B3.17B3.02B4.37B2.78B
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
27.72B27.49B11.22B12.28B13.53B
Total Assets
370.72B333.24B330.91B345.37B323.01B
Total Debt
15.02B13.28B13.39B10.21B6.89B
Net Debt
4.89B2.11B2.17B-2.07B-6.64B
Total Liabilities
344.59B309.04B301.53B317.30B297.15B
Stockholders Equity
26.05B23.58B27.45B26.31B24.47B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
2.39B5.44B8.00B-1.94B7.09B
Operating Cash Flow
2.53B5.61B4.31B-1.86B7.25B
Investing Cash Flow
-337.00M-559.00M-2.86B-803.00M-886.00M
Financing Cash Flow
-3.88B-3.09B-71.00M-260.00M-2.31B

Sun Life Financial Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price83.50
Price Trends
50DMA
80.30
Positive
100DMA
81.37
Positive
200DMA
78.59
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.96
Negative
RSI
62.91
Neutral
STOCH
82.30
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:SLF, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 83.5 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 80.44, above the 50-day MA of 80.30, and above the 200-day MA of 78.59, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.96 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 62.91 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 82.30 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for TSE:SLF.

Sun Life Financial Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
TSIFC
78
Outperform
C$55.15B24.7912.95%1.60%4.73%44.14%
TSMFC
73
Outperform
$75.08B15.2810.17%3.76%5.24%13.68%
TSIAG
73
Outperform
C$12.38B13.7112.54%2.56%-7.31%28.65%
TSPOW
72
Outperform
C$32.88B12.3312.45%4.54%-7.62%25.47%
TSSLF
71
Outperform
$47.21B15.7612.87%3.92%-12.72%-0.16%
TSGWO
66
Neutral
C$48.88B12.5314.65%4.45%17.48%25.54%
64
Neutral
$12.54B9.797.92%16985.69%12.58%-6.07%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:SLF
Sun Life Financial
83.50
13.18
18.75%
TSE:MFC
Manulife Financial
43.40
9.65
28.58%
TSE:IAG
iA Financial Corporation Inc
133.83
46.40
53.07%
TSE:GWO
Great-West Lifeco
51.85
10.85
26.46%
TSE:IFC
Intact Financial Corporation
301.90
77.68
34.64%
TSE:POW
Power Corp of Canada
51.35
13.01
33.93%

Sun Life Financial Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 08, 2025
(Q4-2024)
|
% Change Since: 0.00%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 07, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted strong capital generation, record fundraising at SLC, and significant growth in Asia, offset by challenges in U.S. stop-loss claims, negative net flows at MFS, and impairments in Vietnam. The company demonstrates resilience and strategic growth, but faces notable challenges in specific segments.
Q4-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Capital Position
Sun Life ended the quarter with a strong LICAT ratio of 152% and robust Holdco cash of $1.4 billion, indicating solid financial health and capacity for share buybacks.
Record Capital Raising at SLC Management
SLC Management achieved record capital raising of $10 billion in Q4, bringing the full year total to $24 billion, with net inflows over $14 billion.
Asia Growth Momentum
Sun Life's Asia operations saw strong growth, with underlying net income up 17% year-over-year to more than $700 million. Total Asia CSM grew by 30%.
Canada and U.S. Group Benefits Revenue Growth
Group Benefits revenue in Canada was up 11% year-over-year, and U.S. Group Benefits revenue grew 6% year-over-year, demonstrating strong core health business performance.
Digital Initiatives and Employee Engagement
Sun Life's digital initiatives, such as virtual care services in Canada and the Advisor Buddy tool in the Philippines, demonstrate commitment to innovation. Employee engagement scores averaged 88%, above industry norms.
Negative Updates
U.S. Stop-Loss Morbidity Experience
The U.S. stop-loss morbidity claims experience was unfavorable due to increased severity, impacting underlying earnings. The full-year stop-loss loss ratio was 74%, above the 73% pricing target.
Negative Net Flows at MFS
Despite strong distribution execution, MFS experienced negative net flows, reflecting continued industry-wide outflows.
Vietnam Bancassurance Impairment
An impairment charge related to bancassurance agreements in Vietnam was recognized, due to market challenges and updated outlooks.
Lower U.S. Results
U.S. underlying net income was down 39% year-over-year, primarily driven by unfavorable morbidity experience in medical stop-loss.
Company Guidance
During the Sun Life Financial Q4 2024 earnings call, the company provided several key metrics and insights. Underlying net income for the fourth quarter was $965 million, a 2% decline year-over-year, with earnings per share flat at $1.68. The full-year underlying net income increased by 3% to $3.9 billion, with total assets under management reaching $1.54 trillion. The LICAT ratio at Sun Life Financial was reported at a strong 152%. In asset management, SLC Management achieved record capital raising of $10 billion in the quarter, contributing to a full-year total of $24 billion. MFS maintained strong long-term fund performance, with 95% of fund assets ranked in the top half of their respective Morningstar categories based on 10-year performance. Despite challenges in the U.S. due to increased claims severity in the stop-loss business, Sun Life reported positive momentum in its Canadian and U.S. group businesses. Wealth sales and asset management gross flows increased by 33%, driven by distribution execution at MFS and SLC. Sun Life also highlighted its commitment to digital innovation and employee engagement, with an employee engagement index score of 88%, maintaining a strong position in the financial services industry.

Sun Life Financial Corporate Events

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Sun Life Financial to Renew Share Repurchase Program
Positive
May 8, 2025

Sun Life Financial Inc. has announced its intention to renew its normal course issuer bid (NCIB), subject to regulatory approvals. The new 2025 NCIB will allow the company to repurchase up to 10 million additional common shares, providing flexibility in capital management and returning value to shareholders. This move reflects Sun Life’s strategic approach to managing its capital and enhancing shareholder value.

Spark’s Take on TSE:SLF Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, TSE:SLF is a Outperform.

Sun Life Financial’s overall score of 70 reflects its solid financial performance with strong revenue growth and stable net income. However, declining cash flows and a slightly increasing debt-to-equity ratio are areas of concern. Technical indicators are neutral, and the valuation is moderate, with an attractive dividend yield. The recent earnings call underscores both growth in certain areas and challenges in others, while the declaration of consistent dividends supports investor confidence.

To see Spark’s full report on TSE:SLF stock, click here.

DividendsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Sun Life Financial Increases Dividends for Q2 2025
Positive
May 8, 2025

Sun Life Financial Inc. announced an increase in its common share dividend to $0.88 per share, payable on June 30, 2025, marking a 4 cent rise from the previous quarter. The company also declared dividends on its Class A Non-Cumulative Preferred Shares, with various series receiving specific amounts. These dividends are part of Sun Life’s broader strategy to provide consistent returns to its shareholders and reinforce its strong market position.

Spark’s Take on TSE:SLF Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, TSE:SLF is a Outperform.

Sun Life Financial’s overall score of 70 reflects its solid financial performance with strong revenue growth and stable net income. However, declining cash flows and a slightly increasing debt-to-equity ratio are areas of concern. Technical indicators are neutral, and the valuation is moderate, with an attractive dividend yield. The recent earnings call underscores both growth in certain areas and challenges in others, while the declaration of consistent dividends supports investor confidence.

To see Spark’s full report on TSE:SLF stock, click here.

Stock BuybackDividendsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Sun Life Financial Reports Robust Q1 2025 Results with Increased Income and Dividend
Positive
May 8, 2025

Sun Life Financial Inc. reported a strong first quarter in 2025, with an underlying net income of $1,045 million, marking a 19% increase from the previous year. The reported net income rose by 13% to $928 million, and assets under management increased by 6% to $1,551 billion. The company also announced a dividend increase and plans for continued share buybacks, highlighting its robust financial position and strategic advancements in digital tools and capital raising.

Spark’s Take on TSE:SLF Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, TSE:SLF is a Outperform.

Sun Life Financial’s overall score of 70 reflects its solid financial performance with strong revenue growth and stable net income. However, declining cash flows and a slightly increasing debt-to-equity ratio are areas of concern. Technical indicators are neutral, and the valuation is moderate, with an attractive dividend yield. The recent earnings call underscores both growth in certain areas and challenges in others, while the declaration of consistent dividends supports investor confidence.

To see Spark’s full report on TSE:SLF stock, click here.

Financial Disclosures
Sun Life Financial Reports Mixed 2024 Results, Strong Growth in Key Segments
Neutral
Feb 12, 2025

Sun Life Financial Inc. reported a decline in underlying net income by 2% for the fourth quarter of 2024, although it saw a 3% increase for the full year, driven by strong performance in wealth and asset management. Despite a decrease in reported net income due to market conditions and impairment in their Vietnam operations, Sun Life experienced growth in assets under management and maintained a strong capital position, indicating a positive outlook for long-term growth.

Dividends
Sun Life Declares Q1 2025 Dividends
Positive
Feb 12, 2025

Sun Life Financial Inc. announced the declaration of dividends for Q1 2025 on both its common and preferred shares, maintaining the dividend amount consistent with the previous quarter. This announcement reflects Sun Life’s steady financial performance and its commitment to providing returns to its shareholders, indicating stable operations and potentially reinforcing investor confidence.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.