Dimensional Fund Advisors LP Reduces Holdings in Sun Life Financial Inc. (NYSE:SLF)

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP trimmed its stake in Sun Life Financial Inc. (NYSE:SLF - Free Report) TSE: SLF by 4.9% during the fourth quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 1,719,655 shares of the financial services provider's stock after selling 89,286 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP owned about 0.27% of Sun Life Financial worth $102,044,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Human Investing LLC acquired a new stake in Sun Life Financial in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Asset Planning Inc acquired a new stake in shares of Sun Life Financial in the fourth quarter valued at $40,000. BankPlus Trust Department purchased a new stake in shares of Sun Life Financial in the 4th quarter valued at $40,000. Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Sun Life Financial in the 4th quarter valued at $45,000. Finally, Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB acquired a new position in Sun Life Financial during the 3rd quarter worth about $51,000. 52.26% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Sun Life Financial Stock Down 0.6 %

NYSE SLF traded down $0.36 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $59.19. 246,918 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 680,443. The firm has a market cap of $33.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.43, a PEG ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 0.87. The company has a 50 day moving average of $56.24 and a two-hundred day moving average of $57.87. Sun Life Financial Inc. has a 52-week low of $46.41 and a 52-week high of $62.85.

Sun Life Financial (NYSE:SLF - Get Free Report) TSE: SLF last released its earnings results on Wednesday, February 12th. The financial services provider reported $1.20 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $0.90 by $0.30. Sun Life Financial had a net margin of 8.08% and a return on equity of 16.86%. On average, equities research analysts predict that Sun Life Financial Inc. will post 5.19 EPS for the current year.

Sun Life Financial Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 31st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 26th were issued a $0.5876 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, February 26th. This represents a $2.35 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.97%. Sun Life Financial's payout ratio is 60.16%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com lowered shares of Sun Life Financial from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 5th. Cormark raised shares of Sun Life Financial from a "hold" rating to a "moderate buy" rating in a research note on Thursday, February 13th. Finally, National Bank Financial raised shares of Sun Life Financial from a "sector perform" rating to an "outperform" rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 15th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy".

Sun Life Financial Profile

Sun Life Financial Inc, a financial services company, provides savings, retirement, and pension products worldwide. The company operates in five segments: Asset Management, Canada, U.S., Asia, and Corporate. It offers various insurance products, such as term and permanent life; personal health, which includes prescription drugs, dental, and vision care; critical illness; long-term care; and disability, as well as reinsurance.