Sun Life Financial Inc. - SLF STOCK NEWS

Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) has announced its intention to renew its normal course issuer bid (NCIB) to purchase up to 15,000,000 of its common shares, representing approximately 2.6% of the 578,405,077 common shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024. The NCIB is subject to approval from the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions and the Toronto Stock Exchange.

The NCIB is expected to commence on August 29, 2024, and will end 12 months after commencement. Purchases may be made through various Canadian stock exchanges and alternative trading platforms at prevailing market rates. The company may also make purchases through private agreements or share repurchase programs under issuer bid exemption orders, typically at a discount to market price.

This initiative provides Sun Life with flexibility to return capital to shareholders as part of its overall capital management strategy. The actual number and timing of share purchases will be determined by the company, and all purchased shares will be cancelled or used for equity-settled incentive arrangements.

Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) has declared dividends for Q3 2024. The Board announced a dividend of $0.81 per share on common shares, payable September 27, 2024, to shareholders of record on August 28, 2024. This amount remains unchanged from the previous quarter. Additionally, dividends were declared on various Class A Non-Cumulative Preferred Shares, also payable on September 27, 2024. The company's Canadian Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan will acquire common shares through open market purchases on the Toronto Stock Exchange and other Canadian trading platforms. Sun Life has designated these dividends as eligible for Canadian income tax purposes.

Sun Life Financial (TSX: SLF, NYSE: SLF) reported its Q2 2024 results. Underlying net income rose 9% year-over-year to $1 billion, with an underlying ROE of 18.1%. Reported net income decreased 2% to $646 million, with a reported ROE of 11.7%.

Segment results showed mixed performance: Wealth & Asset Management income grew 9% to $455 million, while Group - Health & Protection income fell 15% to $305 million due to adverse impacts in U.S. Dental. Individual - Protection income surged 31% to $347 million.

Assets under management increased by 7% to $1.465 trillion. The LICAT capital ratio stood at 150%, reflecting strong financial health. The Company expects annual savings of $200 million by 2026 from recent restructuring.

CEO Kevin Strain highlighted robust growth in Canada and Asia, with strategic expansions in asset management and insurance products. The report underscores Sun Life’s commitment to its diversified business model and long-term value creation.

Sun Life U.S. has expanded its critical illness (CI) coverage to include family planning care, behavioral health, and a broader range of health conditions. This expansion aligns with the company's commitment to helping people access necessary care and coverage. The new Family Care benefit covers treatments like in vitro fertilization, adoption, and medical issues related to childbirth. Additionally, Sun Life has introduced a Mental Health benefit that includes access to AbleTo SelfCare and a Health Navigator Help Line.

The expansion builds on earlier additions such as COVID-19 coverage and virtual behavioral health for cancer patients. Sun Life's supplemental health coverages also provide a wellness benefit to encourage preventive screenings. This move reflects the evolving needs of today's workforce and the increasing importance of specialized benefits in employee job considerations.

Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) has appointed Patrick Cronin and Stacey Madge to its Board of Directors, effective July 31, 2024. Mr. Cronin, a financial executive with over 30 years of experience, most recently served as Special Advisor to the CEO for BMO Financial Group. Ms. Madge, with more than 30 years in financial services and technology, was previously the President and Country Manager of Visa Canada.

Both appointees bring valuable expertise to Sun Life's board. Mr. Cronin's background includes capital markets, financial management, and risk management. Ms. Madge's experience encompasses digital transformation, fintech partnerships, and client experience. These appointments aim to strengthen Sun Life's leadership as it adapts to the evolving financial landscape.

Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) has announced the release of its second quarter 2024 financial results on Monday, August 12, 2024, after markets close. The company will hold an earnings conference call and live webcast the following day, Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. ET. Investors and analysts can access the call via telephone or live webcast, with a replay of the webcast available after the event. This announcement provides stakeholders with the opportunity to review Sun Life's financial performance and engage with company representatives to discuss the results and future outlook.

Sun Life U.S. has expanded its Health Navigator service to medium and small group employers, aiming to help more workers access healthcare services. Health Navigator, powered by PinnacleCare, offers personalized guidance through dedicated Care Advisors, helping members get the right medical diagnoses, providers, and treatments.

Key benefits for employees include:

• Access to expert medical opinions
• Expedited appointments with qualified specialists
• 94% overall member satisfaction
• Access to Health 360, a digital app with various health and well-being tools

For employers, Health Navigator can potentially influence health outcomes and reduce costs, with data showing an average annual savings of $13,000 in healthcare costs per treatment outcome. The service is available to covered employees and their dependents, with additional options like Bill Resolve and Extended Care.

Sun Life has selected Hinge Health as its preferred digital musculoskeletal (MSK) solution for members, aiming to improve healthcare outcomes and contain costs. This partnership addresses the rising trend of MSK-related healthcare costs, which ranked as the fifth highest cost claims between 2020-2023 according to Sun Life's report. Hinge Health will provide personalized programs with access to physical therapists, health coaches, and orthopedic surgeons, utilizing technology and expert clinicians to help members manage pain and reduce dependence on medication.

Additionally, Sun Life has launched Health 360, a new mobile and web-based app designed to connect members directly with health capabilities, including Hinge Health services, Health Navigator Care Advisors, and various health and well-being tools.

SLC Management, managing $277 billion in institutional fixed income and alternative assets, has launched the SLC Global Insurance Group. This new division aims to provide specialized investment solutions for the world's leading insurance companies. The group leverages the resources and expertise of SLC Management's subsidiaries, including SLC Fixed Income, BGO, Crescent Capital Group, and InfraRed Capital Partners. With over 260 insurance clients and $152 billion in assets under management (AUM), the group offers strategies for income enhancement, risk mitigation, and liquidity management. Key appointments include John Cassedy as Managing Director for Insurance Business Development effective July 1, along with the recent additions of Amanda Geuss and Olivia Barden. The initiative is seen as a natural extension of SLC's longstanding work in the insurance sector.