AM Best Assigns Issue Credit Rating to Sun Life Financial Inc.’s Subordinated Debentures

AM Best has assigned a Long-Term Issue Credit Rating of “bbb+” to the CAD 750 million 2.38% fixed-to-floating rate Series 2019-1 subordinated debentures due Aug. 13, 2029 issued by Sun Life Financial Inc. (SLF) (Ontario, Canada) [NYSE: SLF]. The outlook assigned to this Credit Rating (rating) is stable.

The debentures are being issued as sustainability bonds and an amount equivalent to the net proceeds will be used to finance or refinance new and/or existing eligible assets, as defined in SLF’s Sustainability Bond Framework, dated March 2019. AM Best notes that SLF’s financial leverage remains at approximately 14%. AM Best views SLF’s debt-servicing capabilities favorably, with sufficient liquidity to service its debt, a well-laddered debt maturity structure, strong interest coverage ratios and financial leverage ratios that remain within AM Best’s guidelines for the company’s current ratings.

SLF’s ratings also recognize its demonstrated track record of strong and relatively stable IFRS-adjusted operating earnings, despite highly competitive market conditions in the United States and Canada and the continuation of the historically low interest rate environment. The company also benefits from its leading market positions and expansive global footprint as demonstrated by its strong top line growth.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.

AM Best is a global rating agency and information provider with a unique focus on the insurance industry. Visit www.ambest.com for more information.

Copyright © 2019 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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Michael Adams
Senior Financial Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5133
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Anthony McSwieney
Senior Financial Analyst
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5715
[email protected]

Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
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Jim Peavy
Director, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
[email protected]