2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-10-27 12:33Core Viewpoint - The surge in profits for listed insurance companies in China is primarily driven by a significant increase in investment income due to a favorable capital market environment and the impact of new accounting standards, which amplify profit volatility [1][4][6]. Group 1: Performance Highlights - The CSI 300 index rose by 17.9% in Q3, leading to a profit increase of 40%-70% for major insurance companies like China Life and New China Life [1][2]. - China Life expects a net profit of approximately CNY 156.79 billion to CNY 177.69 billion for the first three quarters of 2025, an increase of about CNY 52.26 billion to CNY 73.17 billion year-on-year [2]. - New China Life anticipates a net profit of CNY 29.99 billion to CNY 34.12 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of CNY 9.31 billion to CNY 13.44 billion [2]. Group 2: Investment Strategies - Insurance companies are increasing their equity investments significantly, with the stock allocation reaching CNY 3 trillion by the end of Q2, an 8.92% increase from Q1 and a 47.57% increase from the previous year [2][3]. - The proportion of stocks in the total investment assets of major listed insurance companies rose to 9.3% in H1 2025, the highest in nearly a decade [3]. - The expansion of long-term stock investment trials has allowed insurance companies more flexibility in equity asset allocation, with the approved trial scale increasing from CNY 50 billion to CNY 162 billion [3]. Group 3: Accounting Standards Impact - The new accounting standards implemented in 2023 have led to increased profit volatility, as more assets are classified under fair value measurement, directly affecting current profits [4][5]. - Under the new standards, fluctuations in the market value of trading financial assets are now reflected in current profits, contrasting with the previous standards where unrealized gains did not impact profits unless sold [5]. - The proportion of trading financial assets classified under fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) is notably high among major insurers, with New China Life and China Life at 81.2% and 77.4%, respectively [6]. Group 4: Market Outlook and Challenges - The sustainability of the current profit growth is questioned, as it heavily relies on capital market performance, which may not be consistent [6][8]. - Analysts express differing views on future performance, with some expecting premium growth to remain around 10%, while others caution that investment income, being cyclical and volatile, may not support high growth rates [8][9]. - The insurance industry is experiencing a "differentiation + volatility" trend, with varying performance among companies under similar market conditions [8][9]. Group 5: Product Strategy and Risk Management - Insurance companies are optimizing their product structures by increasing the sales of dividend insurance and reducing reliance on interest-sensitive life insurance [7]. - Non-auto insurance is expected to benefit from the implementation of a new regulatory framework, potentially reducing the combined cost ratio for related companies by 0.2-0.9 percentage points [7]. - Smaller insurance companies are exploring differentiated survival strategies, such as optimizing capital structures and enhancing capital management capabilities through digitalization [10].