Sun Life Financial (NYSE:SLF) Reaches New 12-Month High Following Dividend Announcement

Sun Life Financial Inc. (NYSE:SLF) (TSE:SLF)’s stock price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday after the company announced a dividend. The company traded as high as $68.35 and last traded at $67.88, with a volume of 373349 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $64.91.

The newly announced dividend which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 25th will be given a $0.92 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 25th. This represents a $3.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.4%. Sun Life Financial’s payout ratio is presently 69.68%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have commented on the company. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce restated a “neutral” rating on shares of Sun Life Financial in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. UBS Group initiated coverage on Sun Life Financial in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. They set a “neutral” rating on the stock. TD Securities reaffirmed a “buy” rating on shares of Sun Life Financial in a research report on Thursday. Barclays reiterated an “underweight” rating on shares of Sun Life Financial in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Finally, National Bank Financial reissued a “sector perform” rating on shares of Sun Life Financial in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $86.50.

Sun Life Financial Trading Up 6.0%

The firm’s fifty day simple moving average is $62.61 and its 200 day simple moving average is $60.66. The company has a market cap of $38.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.63 and a beta of 0.88.

Key Stories Impacting Sun Life Financial

Here are the key news stories impacting Sun Life Financial this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Q4 results topped estimates — EPS of $1.41 beat the $1.35 consensus and management reported year‑over‑year revenue growth, which investors view as a sign of operating momentum. Zacks: Q4 Earnings Beat
• Positive Sentiment: Board declared a $0.92 quarterly dividend (annualized yield ~5.7%), supporting income investors and reinforcing shareholder returns. Ex‑dividend/record/payable dates were announced. PR Newswire: Dividends Declared
• Positive Sentiment: Underlying profitability and business mix look healthy — Sun Life reported a $722M Q4 profit and highlighted strength in Wealth & Asset Management, Group Health & Protection and Individual Protection; ROE ~16.9% and net margin ~7.5% were reported. PR Newswire: Q4 & FY Results
• Neutral Sentiment: Top‑line matched Street expectations (reported revenue ~$973.5M), so while growth is positive, there was no upside surprise on sales. MarketBeat: Earnings Report
• Neutral Sentiment: Positive PR: Sun Life U.S. received local workplace awards — good for employer brand but unlikely to move fundamentals materially. PR Newswire: Workplace Awards
• Negative Sentiment: On a cautionary note, EPS declined year‑over‑year (from $1.68 to $1.41), which suggests some earnings pressure versus the prior year and could limit upside if investors focus on y/y profitability. Globe and Mail: Q4 Profit

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in SLF. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC raised its position in shares of Sun Life Financial by 68.4% during the 4th quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 411 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 167 shares in the last quarter. Private Trust Co. NA increased its stake in Sun Life Financial by 130.6% in the second quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 429 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 243 shares during the last quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. purchased a new position in Sun Life Financial in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Sittner & Nelson LLC acquired a new stake in Sun Life Financial during the fourth quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, Westside Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in Sun Life Financial by 62.8% during the second quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 578 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 223 shares in the last quarter. 52.26% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial Inc, founded in 1865 and headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, is an international financial services organization that provides a range of insurance, wealth management and asset management solutions. The company serves individual and institutional clients, offering products designed to protect against life and health risks, help clients save for retirement, and manage investments on behalf of customers and third parties.

Core business activities include life and health insurance, group benefits for employers, retirement and pension products, and wealth management services such as mutual funds and segregated fund solutions.