Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX:SLF) marked its 10th anniversary since demutualizing and becoming a public company on Monday and celebrated the occasion at ceremonies to open the markets at the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange.

During this past decade, Sun Life has expanded in size, scope and customer reach in all of its markets.

“This expansion occurred during a decade of considerable global change in the financial marketplace,” says Donald Stewart, CEO. “We have taken bold action to move our business forward and this has made us what we are today: a sustainable company that is committed to its customers.”

Since Sun Life Financial began its first day of trading on March 23, 2000, the average annual total shareholder return (comprised of share price appreciation and dividends) has been 12.3%. The common share price has risen since then from $12.50 to $31.94 at March 19, 2010.

“During the past decade, Sun Life Financial has acquired new businesses, forged new partnerships, grown its brand and enhanced its global operations,” Stewart says. “The company’s strategy of diversifying across products, distribution and geographies, as well as its strong capital and prudent risk management, has helped it adapt to all economic conditions, not least of which was the recent worldwide financial crisis.”

Stewart paid tribute to Sun Life’s employees for their work in helping the company succeed — not just over the last 10 years, but over the course of its 145-year history of helping customers achieve their goals.

“Personally, I want to thank all of our employees globally. I’m very proud of all their hard work, dedication and focus. They’ve helped Sun Life to establish and maintain relationships with millions of customers worldwide, helping them achieve lifetime financial security,” he says.

IE