Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" with a target price of HKD 15.50 [8][9]. Core Views - The company's 2024 EPS is projected to be RMB 1.45, representing a 31% year-on-year increase, driven mainly by improved equity investments [1]. - The overall combined ratio (COR) for the company is expected to be 98.8%, reflecting a 1 percentage point increase year-on-year, primarily due to natural disaster impacts [1]. - The company is anticipated to maintain steady growth in its business, particularly in the auto insurance sector, which is expected to grow at a rate of 4.5% in 2024 [2]. Summary by Sections Auto Insurance Performance - The auto insurance COR for 2024 is projected at 96.8%, remaining stable compared to 96.9% in 2023. The loss ratio has increased by 2.2 percentage points to 72.6%, offset by a decrease in expense ratio [2]. - The auto insurance business revenue is expected to grow by 4.5% year-on-year, indicating a stable market outlook [2]. Non-Auto Insurance Performance - The non-auto insurance COR is estimated to rise by 2.8 percentage points to 101.9% in 2024, indicating underwriting losses. The loss ratio has increased by 2.7 percentage points, while the expense ratio remains stable [3]. - Revenue from property insurance is expected to grow by 4.7%, with a COR of 113.4%. Agricultural insurance revenue is projected to increase by 4.9%, with a COR of 99.7% [3]. Capital Returns - The return on equity (ROE) for the company is expected to rise by 2 percentage points to 13.1% in 2024, supported by favorable investment conditions. The total investment return rate is projected to increase to 5.5% [4]. - The company plans to distribute a dividend of RMB 0.54 per share for 2024, up from RMB 0.49 in 2023, with a payout ratio of 37% [4]. Earnings Forecast and Valuation - The EPS forecasts for 2025, 2026, and 2027 have been raised to RMB 1.62, RMB 1.69, and RMB 1.82 respectively, reflecting adjustments of 12.7% and 8.0% for the first two years [5]. - The target price based on DCF valuation has been increased to HKD 15.50 from HKD 13.60, maintaining the "Buy" rating [5].
中国财险（02328）：车险稳健，非车震荡