01:03 PM EST, 01/15/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Canadian life insurers begin reporting fourth-quarter results on Feb. 5.

National Bank expects the sector to report a strong quarter, reflecting the positive equity market backdrop that should boost performance in Wealth segments (i.e., 40% of sector earnings), among other factors.

According to analyst Gabriel Dechaine, the lifecos enter 2025 with wind in their sails, having outperformed the market for the third year in a row (also outperforming the Big-6 banks along the way).

While acknowledging that valuations "aren't especially compelling," Dechaine believes the strong market backdrop, material excess capital positions and rising ROEs make the Group as a whole attractive.

Sun Life upgraded to Outperform from Sector Perform.

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