3 Reasons Why Sun Life Financial Inc. Shares Will Bounce Back

Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX:SLF)(NYSE:SLF) could be one of the market’s top performing stocks going forward for three primary reasons.

| More on:
The Motley Fool

Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX:SLF)(NYSE:SLF), one of the largest financial services organizations and life insurers in the world, has watched its stock fall nearly 10% since hitting its 52-week high of $45.44 on August 6 as a result of the downturn in the market, but it has the potential to fully rebound and set new highs in the months ahead. Let’s take a look at three of the primary reasons why this could happen and why you should consider making it a core holding today.

1. Its strong financial performance could support a rebound

After the market closed on August 5, Sun Life released very strong earnings results for its three and six-month periods ending on June 30, and its stock initially reacted by rising over 5%, but it has since erased all of those gains, and then some. Here’s a breakdown of 10 of the most notable statistics from the first half of fiscal 2015 compared with the first half of fiscal 2014:

  1. Underlying net income increased 20.4% $1.13 billion
  2. Underlying earnings per share increased 20.9% to $1.85
  3. Total adjusted revenue increased 1.3% to $11.73 billion
  4. Net premium revenue increased 2.8% to $4.73 billion
  5. Fee income increased 17.4% to $2.55 billion
  6. Total adjusted premiums and deposits increased 6.7% to $68.15 billion
  7. Total assets under management increased 18.1% to $808.08 billion
  8. Total capital increased 11.6% to $23.02 billion
  9. Underlying return on equity improved 60 basis points to 12.9%
  10. Book value per share increased 15.5% to $29.05

2. Its stock trades at inexpensive forward valuations

At current levels, Sun Life’s stock trades at just 12.3 times fiscal 2015’s estimated earnings per share of $3.34 and only 11.1 times fiscal 2016’s estimated earnings per share of $3.70, both of which are inexpensive compared with its five-year average price-to-earnings multiple of 15.2 and the industry average multiple of 25.5.

I think Sun Life’s stock could consistently command a fair multiple of at least 15, which would place its shares upwards of $50 by the conclusion of fiscal 2015 and upwards of $55 by the conclusion of fiscal 2016, representing upside of more than 22% and 34%, respectively, from today’s levels.

3. It has a 3.7% dividend yield

Sun Life pays a quarterly dividend of $0.38 per share, or $1.52 per share annually, which gives its stock a 3.7% yield at current levels, and this is more than double the industry average yield of 1.8%. This dividend will continue attracting income investors, as well as those who are looking to minimize risk in today’s uncertain times, because it will provide protection to the downside.

Should you add Sun Life to your portfolio?

I think Sun Life’s shares will bounce back from the recent decline and head significantly higher from current levels. Its strong financial results in the first half of fiscal 2015 could support a rebound, its stock trades at inexpensive forward valuations, and it has a 3.7% dividend yield, which will attract investors and provide protection to the downside. Foolish investors should strongly consider beginning to scale in to positions today.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Joseph Solitro has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

Senior Man Sitting On Sofa At Home With Pet Labrador Dog
Dividend Stocks

RRSP Investors: Don’t Miss Out on This Contribution Hack!

This hack has so many benefits for you -- not just when you put it in your RRSP but for…

Read more »

edit Sale sign, value, discount
Stocks for Beginners

These 3 Growth Stocks Are on Sale and Set to Surge

Some growth stocks are on sale right now that offer massive long-term potential for investors. Here's a trio to consider…

Read more »

Cannabis grows at a commercial farm.
Cannabis Stocks

Why Canopy Growth Stock Could Double in 2024

Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED) stock saw its share more than double in the last two weeks. So, can it do it…

Read more »

Young woman sat at laptop by a window
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks Everyone Should Own for the Long Haul

For investors looking for top-tier dividend stocks to buy and hold for the long term, here are three of my…

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: 2 Safe Dividend Stocks to Own for the Next 10 Years

Dividend stocks such as Manulife and Fortis can help you generate a stable and recurring passive-income stream.

Read more »

Payday ringed on a calendar
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks That Pay Me More Than $54.57 Per Month

These three dividend stocks have done me well over the years, so let's look at how much I've gotten in…

Read more »

Golden crown on a red velvet background
Dividend Stocks

Dividend Royalty: 3 Fabulous Stocks to Buy Now for Decades of Passive Income

Rogers Communications stock and Canadian Natural Resources stock could pay you dividends for decades to come.

Read more »

stock analysis
Investing

“GARP” Investing: 3 Can’t-Miss Stocks to Buy Now

goeasy (TSX:GSY) and other low-cost growth stocks could make your portfolio a market beater over the long run!

Read more »