智通财经网·2025-06-19 07:28Core Viewpoint - Goldman Sachs has set a 12-month target price of HKD 90 for AIA Group (01299) based on an 8x forward new business multiple, implying a 1.6x P/E for 2026, while adjusting the EV/VONB metrics to reflect current 10-year government bond yields in China [1] Group 1: Business Performance and Market Conditions - The impact of a weaker US dollar is primarily seen in translation effects rather than direct business impacts, with the report metrics benefiting from this currency movement [2] - Year-to-date, bond yields in China and the US have remained stable, while Thailand's rates have decreased, affecting business performance differently across regions [2] - AIA's new business value (VNB) is expected to show healthy growth through Q2, supported by recent stock market gains and a stable interest rate environment in China [2] Group 2: Product Strategy and Sales Dynamics - AIA has shifted its sales focus in mainland China from savings products to participating (dividend-paying) products, which typically have lower profit margins but are more resilient to interest rate declines [3] - The year-on-year decline of 7% in mainland China's VONB is partially attributed to a high base effect from strong sales in the first half of 2024, with expectations for easier comparisons in the second half of 2025 [3] - AIA aims to increase the number of agents in new branches to over 1,000 within 1.5-2 years of opening, with plans for further expansion into other cities in the provinces where new branches are established [3] Group 3: Regional Insights and Future Outlook - In Thailand, promotional activities in Q1 have driven significant growth in VONB, but growth is expected to stabilize for the remainder of the fiscal year [4] - Downside risks include a slowdown in mainland China, particularly for high-margin protection products, delays in regulatory approvals for new provinces, and tightening capital controls that could negatively impact sales and policy renewals in Hong Kong [4]