RBC raises Sun Life stock target to Cdn$88 from Cdn$82

Published 12/05/2025, 14:40
RBC raises Sun Life stock target to Cdn$88 from Cdn$82

On Monday, RBC Capital Markets adjusted the price target for Sun Life Financial Inc . (NYSE:SLF:CN) (NYSE: SLF), increasing it to Cdn$88.00, up from the previous Cdn$82.00, while continuing to recommend the stock as Outperform. The revision follows Sun Life’s recent performance, which exceeded expectations in several business areas. The stock, currently trading near its 52-week high of $63.34, has delivered a robust 29.5% return over the past year. According to InvestingPro analysis, Sun Life appears to be trading above its Fair Value, with additional insights available in the comprehensive Pro Research Report.

Sun Life’s recent quarterly results showcased strength across most of its segments, with notable improvements in the U.S. stop-loss experience compared to the previous quarter. With a solid market capitalization of $35.71 billion and a healthy P/E ratio of 15.8, the company maintains a strong market position. Additionally, the company’s Dental segment reported favourable claims experience year-over-year, attributed to Medicaid repricing. Despite facing net outflows in the first quarter of 2025, the rate was less than half of what was reported in the previous quarter.

The company’s asset management division, MFS, experienced continued net outflows during the first quarter of 2025, but at a significantly reduced pace. This slowdown in outflows is seen as a positive sign for Sun Life’s asset management stability.

Sun Life’s capital position remains robust, enabling the company to return value to its shareholders. This is evidenced by the renewal of its Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) and a dividend payout that surpassed RBC Capital Markets’ estimates. InvestingPro data reveals the company has maintained dividend payments for 26 consecutive years, with a current yield of 4.07%. These shareholder returns are indicative of the company’s financial health and strategic capital management, supported by an impressive current ratio of 58.07.

The analyst from RBC Capital Markets acknowledged the potential for earnings pressures across the life insurance industry due to a slowing global economy and market volatility. However, the firm expressed confidence in Sun Life’s ability to effectively navigate these challenges, citing the modest risk level and the company’s proven track record of managing economic fluctuations. The Outperform rating reflects this optimistic outlook on Sun Life’s resilience and strategic positioning, further supported by its GOOD Financial Health Score of 2.86 on InvestingPro, which offers detailed analysis through its comprehensive Pro Research Report.

In other recent news, Sun Life Financial Inc. reported impressive financial results for the first quarter of 2025, surpassing analyst expectations with an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.82, compared to the forecasted $1.72. The company achieved a record underlying net income of $1,045 million, marking a 19% increase from the previous year. BMO Capital Markets responded to these strong results by raising Sun Life’s stock target to C$95, maintaining an Outperform rating, reflecting confidence in the company’s earnings quality and visibility. Additionally, Sun Life announced a 5% increase in its common share dividend and the renewal of its buyback program.

In corporate governance developments, Sun Life confirmed the election of its board of directors, with Kevin D. Strain receiving the highest approval at 99.8% of votes. The company also expanded its digital offerings, launching new client portals and a mobile app in the Philippines. Furthermore, Sun Life’s strategic business growth was highlighted by strong sales in Asia and improved performance in the U.S. Dental segment. These recent developments underscore Sun Life’s robust financial position and strategic initiatives aimed at sustaining growth across its global markets.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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