Zhao Yin Guo Ji·2025-02-24 02:37Investment Rating - The report maintains a "BUY" rating for AIA Group Ltd. with a target price of HK$94.0, implying a potential upside of 62.1% from the current price of HK$58.0 [1][7]. Core Insights - AIA's share price fell 17.3% in FY24, underperforming key benchmarks despite resilient Value of New Business (VNB) growth and a solid financial position [1]. - The report anticipates a 20% increase in full-year VNB on a Constant Exchange Rate (CER) basis, with Group Operating Profit After Tax (OPAT) expected to grow 7% YoY in FY24 [1][7]. - Total shareholder return is projected to rise to approximately 8% in FY24, driven by a 3% dividend yield and around 5% return from buybacks [1][7]. Financial Performance - AIA's VNB is expected to reach US$4.77 billion in FY24, reflecting a 20% increase on a CER basis, with a slowdown in growth anticipated in the second half of the year [7]. - Group OPAT is projected to increase to US$6.639 billion in FY24, with a corresponding Operating EPS of US$0.59 [8]. - The report highlights a significant buyback program completion of US$12 billion, with expectations for a new buyback announcement in mid-March 2025 [1][7]. Market Position - AIA's share price performance has lagged behind major indices, with the stock trading at 1.0x FY25E Price to Embedded Value (P/EV), near historical lows [7]. - The report emphasizes the importance of sustained long-term value growth to enhance investor confidence and facilitate further buybacks [7]. Shareholder Returns - The report indicates that AIA's management remains focused on shareholder returns, with an estimated US$3.5 billion allocated for buybacks in FY24 [7]. - The underlying free surplus generation is projected to be US$6.7 billion, up 11% YoY, which could strengthen the Group's capital position for additional shareholder paybacks [7].