Investment Rating - The report maintains a "BUY" rating for PICC P&C with a target price of HK$11.90, implying a 25.9% upside from the current price of HK$9.45 [3][18]. Core Insights - The first quarter of 2024 saw weaker-than-expected results, with the combined ratio (CoR) slightly increasing to 97.9% compared to 97.8% in FY23. Auto and non-auto premium growth dropped to +1.9% and +5.0% YoY, respectively [2]. - Underwriting profit decreased by 49.1% YoY to RMB2.4 billion, impacting net profit which fell by 38.3% YoY to RMB5.9 billion. The net investment yield was reported at 0.8%, lower than some life insurance peers [2][8]. - Despite the weak performance in Q1, the report expresses confidence in the insurer's underwriting resilience due to the full release of catastrophe-induced claims and a recovery in monthly premium growth as seasonal effects fade [2][8]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 1Q24, insurance service revenue increased by 5.9% YoY to RMB113.8 billion, while insurance service expenses rose by 9.0% YoY to RMB105.6 billion. The underwriting result was RMB5.2 billion, down 29.0% YoY [8]. - The net investment result dropped by 53.8% YoY to RMB2.3 billion, with a fair value loss of RMB164 million compared to a gain of RMB1.2 billion in 1Q23 [8][15]. Premium Growth - Auto premium growth was reported at +1.9% YoY, significantly lower than the previous year's +6.5%. Non-auto premium growth was +5.0% YoY, down from +12.8% YoY in 1Q23 [2][9]. - Agriculture insurance premiums increased by 14.7% YoY in March, indicating potential recovery in non-auto segments [2]. Valuation Metrics - The stock is currently trading at 0.8x FY24E P/BV, with a projected dividend yield of 6.0% for FY24E [2][15]. - The report revises down FY24-26E EPS by 2%-6% due to investment volatilities, with expected EPS of RMB1.32, RMB1.43, and RMB1.55 for FY24, FY25, and FY26, respectively [2][15].
1Q24 catastrophe-induced claims fully released;FY24 CoR guidance sustained; exp. >40% payout