国泰海通｜非银：预计盈利稳健，资负匹配持续改善

Core Viewpoint - The insurance industry is expected to see stable profit growth in H1 2025, with net assets under pressure, driven by a recovery in the stock and bond markets and improved asset-liability matching [1][2]. Group 1: Profit Growth and Asset-Liability Matching - The stock and bond markets are anticipated to recover in H1 2025, leading to an increase in investment yields from FVTPL fixed income and equity assets, which will support stable profit growth for listed insurance companies [1]. - Despite a downward trend in long-term interest rates, which may elevate insurance contract liabilities and negatively impact net assets, the reduction in liability costs and strong performance of OCI financial assets will enhance asset-liability matching [1]. - The net profit margin for life insurance is expected to continue growing on a comparable basis, although individual insurance new business may face pressure while bancassurance new business is projected to grow significantly [1]. Group 2: Property Insurance Premiums and Cost Ratio Improvement - Property insurance premiums are expected to grow slowly in H1 2025, influenced by fluctuations in new car sales and declining average premiums per vehicle, while non-auto insurance is benefiting from structural optimization by leading insurers [2]. - The combined ratio for property insurance is expected to improve due to three main factors: reduced catastrophic losses, ongoing structural optimization by leading insurance companies, and active cost control measures [2]. Group 3: Investment Recommendations - The life insurance sector is projected to see continued growth in net business value (NBV), while the combined ratio for property insurance is expected to improve significantly [2]. - With the recovery of the stock and bond markets, listed insurance companies are likely to continue optimizing their asset allocation, further enhancing asset-liability matching [2]. - Current market valuations of insurance stocks reflect pessimistic expectations; therefore, there is an opportunity for valuation recovery in undervalued and underrepresented insurance stocks, maintaining an "overweight" rating for the industry [2].