Hua Er Jie Jian Wen·2026-01-07 05:08Core Viewpoint - The insurance sector experienced a significant rise of over 6% on January 5, 2026, with Xinhua Insurance and China Pacific Insurance reaching historical highs, driven by a cyclical logic of improved expectations, rising long-term interest rates, and reinforced profit elasticity since December 2025 [1] Group 1: Market Performance and Expectations - The current stock prices reflect an optimistic outlook for the "opening red" period of 2026, with Q1 2026 expected to be a peak for value and profit growth [2] - The average new business growth rate for listed insurance companies in Q1 2026 is projected to be 30%, with bancassurance and individual insurance growth rates at 50% and 20% respectively [2] - The low base from 2025 for individual insurance and the increasing focus on bancassurance channels by leading companies are expected to drive growth in new business [2] Group 2: Interest Rates and Valuation - The significance of long-term interest rates breaking the 2.0% mark is highlighted, with market expectations showing divergence on future trends [3] - If long-term rates exceed 2.0%, it could lead to a gradual approach of P/EV valuations towards 1x, benefiting insurance stock valuations [3] - The 10-year government bond yield is anticipated to range between 1.7% and 2.1% in 2026, with a favorable environment for insurance stock valuations due to improving credit spreads and term spreads [3] Group 3: Business Value and Growth Projections - The internal value (EV) credibility is gradually recovering, with expectations of a return to growth in EV for listed insurance companies from 2025 to 2027, averaging 10.6%, 10.9%, and 10.8% respectively [4] - The new business value (NBV) growth rates are projected at 34.7%, 21.7%, and 10.0% for the same period, indicating a positive outlook for the sector [4] - The insurance companies are expected to improve profitability through refined management of liability costs and benefit from upward catalysts in the asset side [4] Group 4: Strategic Recommendations - Investment in cyclical insurance stocks with strong performance support is recommended, as 2026 is expected to see growth in new business and value alongside continued management of liability costs [4] - The focus on bancassurance channels and the improvement in payment structures are likely to enhance value contributions from these channels [6]