Core Viewpoint - The insurance companies listed in Hong Kong and Shanghai are shifting focus from premium growth to the contribution of new business value (NBV), which has shown significant double-digit growth in the first half of the year [1][2][3]. Group 1: New Business Value Growth - Major listed insurance companies reported substantial growth in new business value, with China Ping An's NBV reaching 22.335 billion yuan, up 39.8% year-on-year; China Life's NBV at 28.546 billion yuan, up 20.3%; China Pacific's NBV at 9.544 billion yuan, up 32.3%; and China Insurance's NBV at 4.978 billion yuan, up 71.7% [1]. - AIA Group reported a new business value of 2.838 billion USD, reflecting a 14% increase year-on-year [1]. - The growth in NBV is seen as a key indicator of the companies' performance and has garnered market recognition, although the sustainability of this growth throughout the year remains a concern [2][8]. Group 2: Market Performance and Investor Sentiment - Despite limited growth in net profit for most insurance groups, insurance stocks have performed exceptionally well, with some doubling in value since the market downturn in September [2][8]. - The market is increasingly valuing new business value as a more reliable indicator of a company's operational capability and future profitability, moving away from traditional metrics like premium size [9][10]. Group 3: Strategic Initiatives and Future Outlook - Companies are focusing on enhancing their business models, including digital transformation and AI integration, to drive new business value growth [4][5]. - China Pacific emphasized strengthening its management and sales capabilities, particularly in dividend insurance, which saw a significant increase in new premium income [5]. - New business value rates are critical for assessing the underlying value of insurance companies, and the ability to maintain double-digit growth in NBV will be crucial for future stock performance [10].