HTSC·2025-08-21 09:45Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is maintained as "Buy" with a target price of HKD 85.00 [1][11]. Core Insights - The company reported stable growth in its performance for the first half of 2025, with a notable increase in New Business Value (NBV) by 14% year-on-year on a constant currency basis, driven primarily by the Hong Kong and Southeast Asian markets [6]. - The NBV in Hong Kong saw a strong growth of 24% year-on-year, while the mainland China NBV declined by 4% due to assumption adjustments [7][8]. - The overall NBV growth in Southeast Asia remained robust, with Thailand and Singapore showing significant increases [9]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - The company achieved a gross premium income of USD 19.31 billion in 2024, projected to grow to USD 20.81 billion in 2025, reflecting a growth rate of 10.28% [5]. - Total investment income is expected to decrease by 5.01% in 2025, with a forecast of USD 12.60 billion [5]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders is projected to be USD 5.16 billion in 2025, a decrease of 24.50% compared to 2024 [5]. Market Analysis - In Hong Kong, the NBV growth was driven by both local residents and mainland visitors, with respective growth rates of 30% and 18% [7]. - The mainland China market's NBV, when adjusted for assumptions, showed a growth of 10%, indicating a strong underlying performance despite the reported decline [8]. - Southeast Asia's NBV growth is expected to be 14% in 2025, with Thailand experiencing a notable increase of 35% [9]. Shareholder Returns - The company reported a 12% year-on-year increase in operating profit per share (OPAT) for the first half of 2025, with a return on equity (ROE) of 18% [10]. - The dividend per share (DPS) increased by 10% to HKD 0.49, with total returns to investors (including buybacks) amounting to USD 3.7 billion [10]. - The expected dividend yield for 2025 is projected to reach 4.7% [10]. Valuation and Forecast - The EPS forecast for 2025 has been adjusted downwards by 22% to USD 0.49, while maintaining the target price at HKD 85 based on book value and embedded value methods [11]. - The company anticipates an overall NBV growth of 13% for 2025, supported by strong market performance [10].