11:45 AM EST, 02/13/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Sun Life reported fourth-quarter underlying EPS of $1.68, compared to National Bank's $1.82 forecast and consensus of $1.77. On a reported basis, EPS of $0.41 compares with National's $1.64 forecast and consensus of $1.68.

The lifeco reported negative U.S. Stop Loss claims experience following several quarters of resilient performance versus peers that had already experienced these issues, notes analyst Gabriel Dechaine. While a negative outcome, the fact that large industry players are hiking pricing bodes well for margin improvement in this business, Dechaine adds.

"We remain positive on the stock given its strong balance sheet, high valuation business mix and relatively high exposure to USD-denominated earnings. Should there be a large pullback in SLF's share price in reaction to these results tomorrow, we would view it as a buying opportunity."

Sun Life target lowered to $93 (from $95). Maintain Outperform.

Price: 77.17, Change: -7.46, Percent Change: -8.81