Sun Life Is Now a buy

Article Excerpt

SUN LIFE FINANCIAL SERVICES $49 (Toronto symbol SLF; SI Rating: Above average) offers savings, retirement, pension and life and health insurance products and services to individuals and corporate customers. The company operates primarily in Canada, the U.S. and the UK, and also in Asia and India. In the three months ended December 31, 2005, Sun Life’s earnings rose 9.1%, to $478 million from $438 million a year earlier. Pershare earnings rose 10.8%, to $0.82 from $0.74, on fewer shares outstanding due to share buybacks. Revenue rose 1.5%, to $5.34 billion from $5.26 billion a year earlier. Sun Life has considerable capital available for expansion, including through acquisitions. It could also use its funds for stock buybacks or for further dividend increases. Sun Life is now a buy. buy…