Globe and Mail on lifecos and banksThe Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, May 1, edition that CIBC World Markets analyst Paul Holden has reaffirmed his "outperformer" recommendation for Sun Life Financial. The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that Mr. Holden gave his share target a $3 boost to $80. Analysts on average target the shares at $76.69. The Globe says Mr. Holden prefers Canadian life insurance companies over financials. Mr. Holden says in a note: "The lifecos have been relative underperformers over the last quarter. We think there is an opportunity to lighten up on the banks and add lifeco exposure. Our reasoning is premised on: lifecos being beneficiaries of higher-for-longer interest rates; less economic risk to earnings estimates; strong relative capital positions; better opportunities for organic growth in the current environment; and, reasonable valuation multiples. Further, we expect 13-per-cent year-over-year EPS growth, on average, for Q1, much higher than the EPS growth we are forecasting for the banks in a revenue-challenged environment." The Globe's Norman Rothery said on Feb. 26 that he was keen on Sun Life for its dividends. The shares were then going for $74.43.