Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2026-01-20 01:55Core Viewpoint - Dongwu Securities maintains a "Buy" rating for China Taiping (00966) and has raised profit forecasts for 2025-2027, projecting net profit attributable to shareholders at 270/200/222 billion HKD, up from previous estimates of 97/109/125 billion HKD. The current market valuation corresponds to a 2026 EPB of 0.74x and PEV of 0.38x, indicating a low valuation level. The firm is optimistic about the company's transformation towards dividend-type life insurance and the continuous optimization of its property insurance business [1]. Recent Events - On January 19, China Taiping announced an earnings pre-increase, projecting a year-on-year growth of approximately 215%-225% in net profit attributable to shareholders for 2025, estimated at 266-274 billion HKD. The second half of 2025 is expected to yield a net profit of about 198-206 billion HKD, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.2-7.6 times. The first half of 2025 is projected to have a net profit of 67.6 billion HKD, up 12.2% year-on-year [1]. Performance Drivers - The significant increase in net profit is primarily attributed to improved net investment performance compared to 2024 and the one-time impact of new corporate income tax policies introduced by tax authorities for the insurance industry. The Shanghai and Shenzhen 300 and Wind All A indices are expected to rise by 17.7% and 27.7% in 2025, respectively, outperforming 2024's growth of 14.7% and 10%. Additionally, the scale of equity investments in the public market by insurance funds has significantly increased, allowing for greater benefits from the stock market rise. Furthermore, a new tax guideline allows insurance companies to account for the cumulative impact of retained earnings and annual tax differences from 2026 onwards, which is expected to positively affect current profits due to the reversal of previously accrued deferred tax liabilities [2].