Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform the Market" rating for the insurance sector [2][5]. Core Insights - The report highlights that China Ping An's acquisition of China Pacific Insurance shares is primarily a financial investment, indicating a shift in insurance stocks towards high dividend asset allocation similar to bank stocks. This move is supported by improvements in the bancassurance channel and the strong beta characteristics of the industry [3][4]. - The report emphasizes the potential for valuation recovery in the insurance sector, with China Pacific Insurance's H shares having increased by 42.4% since 2025, and a current P/EV ratio of 0.73, suggesting that the long-term value is not fully reflected in current valuations [4]. - The report notes that the recent adjustments in preset interest rates will stimulate premium growth, particularly through "stop-selling" strategies, which are expected to enhance the liability side of the insurance companies [10][14]. Summary by Sections Investment Strategy - The report suggests that the insurance sector is experiencing multiple catalysts, including short-term premium income growth, narrowing interest spread risks, and improved investment return expectations. The clear reduction in preset interest rates is expected to support the continuous expansion of "stop-selling" premiums [3][14]. Liability Side Analysis - The report discusses the impact of the recent adjustments in preset interest rates, which will lower rates for various insurance products, thereby activating premium growth through the bancassurance channel. The new rates are as follows: ordinary products from 2.5% to 2.0%, participating insurance from 2.0% to 1.75%, and universal insurance from 1.5% to 1.0% [7][10]. Asset Side Analysis - The report indicates that long-term bond yields have started to recover, with the 30-year government bond yield rising from 1.84% to 1.98%. This improvement in fixed-income asset returns is expected to reduce interest spread risks and enhance the valuation of life insurance stocks [11][14].

Core Viewpoint - The insurance industry is experiencing a continuous decline in preset interest rates, with the latest adjustments indicating a strategic shift towards promoting participating insurance products, particularly dividend insurance, to attract policyholders in a low-interest-rate environment [2][4][8]. Group 1: Interest Rate Adjustments - As of July 25, the preset interest rate for ordinary life insurance products is set at 1.99%, triggering a downward adjustment mechanism for the first time since the implementation of the dynamic adjustment mechanism in January 2025 [2]. - Starting in September, preset interest rates will be lowered across the board: ordinary type to a maximum of 2.0% (down 50 basis points), participating type to a maximum of 1.75% (down 25 basis points), and universal type to a maximum guaranteed rate of 1.0% (down 50 basis points) [2][4]. - This marks the third consecutive reduction in preset interest rates since 2023, driven by a sustained decline in market interest rates [4]. Group 2: Participating Insurance Products - The participating insurance products are being promoted as they can lock in current interest rates while allowing policyholders to share in future profit opportunities [9]. - The recent adjustment in the preset interest rate for participating insurance was only a reduction of 25 basis points, narrowing the guarantee spread with ordinary products from 50 basis points to 25 basis points, indicating a strategic push by insurance companies to enhance the attractiveness of participating insurance [8][9]. - Participating insurance products are characterized by profit-sharing and risk-sharing features, where policyholders receive non-guaranteed benefits based on the company's profits, with at least 70% of distributable surplus allocated to policyholders [9]. Group 3: Company Performance and Strategy - Heng An Standard Life has accelerated its transformation towards participating insurance, with a significant increase in premium income for these products, achieving a 21% year-on-year growth to 5.882 billion yuan in 2024 [22]. - The company has established a strong governance and operational mechanism, which supports its long-term stable operation and enhances its ability to share dividends with policyholders [36]. - Heng An Standard Life's participating insurance products have shown a high dividend realization rate, exceeding the industry average by 34 percentage points, demonstrating robust risk resistance in a low-interest-rate environment [25][27].

Group 1 - The insurance sector stocks have seen significant gains, with China Pacific Insurance rising by 5.14% to HKD 33.56, China Property & Casualty Insurance up by 2.86% to HKD 16.93, New China Life Insurance increasing by 2.72% to HKD 48.38, and Ping An Insurance rising by 1.92% to HKD 55.8 [1] - The latest research value for traditional insurance preset interest rates has been reported at 1.99%, triggering conditions for a rate adjustment due to being below the current level by 25 basis points for two consecutive quarters [1] - Major insurance companies have announced plans to lower preset interest rates, with product transitions expected to be completed by the end of August [1] Group 2 - Dongwu Securities indicates that the reduction in preset interest rates will lead to a decrease in the cost of new business liabilities, which will gradually improve the average cost of existing business as new business dilutes the existing portfolio [1] - The recent stabilization and increase in long-term interest rates, along with a strong stock market, are expected to alleviate the pressure on the life insurance industry's interest spread losses [1] - Following the adjustment of preset interest rates, the guaranteed returns on participating insurance will only be 25 basis points lower than traditional insurance, making it more attractive to customers due to its floating return design, which is expected to accelerate the shift in new business structure towards participating insurance [1]

Core Viewpoint - The insurance sector is experiencing a positive market response, with major companies seeing significant stock price increases following the announcement of a reduction in the preset interest rate for traditional insurance products, which is expected to enhance the attractiveness of participating insurance products [1][1]. Group 1: Stock Performance - China Pacific Insurance (02601) increased by 5.14%, reaching HKD 33.56 [1] - China Property & Casualty Insurance (02328) rose by 2.86%, reaching HKD 16.93 [1] - New China Life Insurance (01336) grew by 2.72%, reaching HKD 48.38 [1] - Ping An Insurance (02318) saw a rise of 1.92%, reaching HKD 55.8 [1] Group 2: Regulatory Changes - The latest research value for the preset interest rate in the traditional insurance sector is 1.99%, which has triggered conditions for a rate reduction according to current regulatory policies [1] - The preset interest rate research value has been below the current level by 25 basis points for two consecutive quarters, activating the downward adjustment mechanism [1] - Major insurance companies are expected to announce preset interest rate reductions and complete product transitions by the end of August [1] Group 3: Industry Outlook - Dongwu Securities indicates that the reduction in preset interest rates will lead to a continued decrease in the cost of new business liabilities, improving the average cost of existing policies over time [1] - The stabilization and upward trend of long-term interest rates, along with a strong stock market, are expected to alleviate the pressure on the life insurance industry's interest spread [1] - Following the adjustment of preset interest rates, the guaranteed returns on participating insurance products will only be 25 basis points lower than traditional insurance, making them more attractive to customers [1] - An accelerated shift towards participating insurance products is anticipated, which will further relieve the rigid cost pressures faced by insurance companies [1]

Core Viewpoint - The insurance industry is undergoing significant changes due to the adjustment of the predetermined interest rates for life insurance products, leading to the suspension of various existing insurance products and a shift towards dividend insurance products as the new market focus [1][2][3]. Group 1: Impact of Interest Rate Adjustment - The predetermined interest rate for ordinary life insurance products has been reduced to 1.99%, down from 2.13%, triggering the suspension of multiple insurance products including critical illness insurance and annuities [1][2]. - Major insurance companies, including Taikang Life and Pacific Insurance, have announced the suspension of over 50 products by August 31, 2023, due to the new interest rate limits [2][3]. Group 2: Shift Towards Dividend Insurance - The adjustment has made dividend insurance products more attractive, as their interest rate reduction is less severe compared to other types, positioning them as the main products for insurance companies moving forward [3][4]. - Analysts predict that the demand for dividend insurance will increase, as it offers a combination of guaranteed and floating returns, making it a competitive alternative to traditional savings accounts [3][5]. Group 3: Future Strategies of Insurance Companies - Several insurance companies are focusing on developing dividend insurance products, with strategies aimed at restructuring their product offerings to emphasize floating and guaranteed coverage [4][5]. - The shift towards dividend insurance is expected to alleviate the cost pressures faced by insurance companies, as the relative attractiveness of these products increases in the current market environment [5].

Core Viewpoint - The insurance industry is experiencing a decline in premium income, with the first two months of 2024 showing negative growth in life insurance premiums, influenced by high previous sales and regulatory changes [1][4][5]. Group 1: Premium Income Performance - Several listed insurance companies reported poor premium income performance in the first two months of 2024, with some companies choosing not to disclose their premium data [1][2]. - The overall life insurance premium income for January and February 2024 was 9,458 billion and 12,997 billion respectively, showing a decline compared to the same period in 2023 [4]. - Only a few companies, such as New China Life and China Pacific Insurance, disclosed their premium data, with New China Life reporting a 29% year-on-year increase, while Sunshine Life reported a 4.9% decline [2][4]. Group 2: Regulatory Impact - Regulatory changes, including limits on preset interest rates and the "reporting and operation integration" policy, have contributed to the cooling of premium income [1][5]. - The new regulations set the upper limit for preset interest rates at 2.5% for ordinary insurance products and 2.0% for dividend-type products starting from September and October 2024 respectively [5]. Group 3: Shift to Dividend Insurance Products - The industry is shifting towards dividend insurance products, which are expected to account for over 50% of total premium income in the future [1][7]. - Companies are focusing on developing floating income products, with leaders from major insurance firms indicating a significant increase in the proportion of these products [7][8]. - Despite the potential for growth in dividend insurance, the current sales performance is still lacking, and agents face challenges in selling these products effectively [6][8]. Group 4: Sales Force Development - There is a consensus on the need to enhance the training and skills of the sales force to improve the sales of dividend insurance products [10]. - Companies are investing significant efforts in training their sales teams to align with the transition towards dividend insurance, aiming to avoid misguidance and mismatched customer needs [10].

Core Insights - The insurance industry continues to show growth momentum in the first half of the year, with both life insurance and property insurance performing well [1][2] - In June, life insurance companies reported a significant year-on-year premium income growth of 16.3% and a month-on-month increase of 21.5% [2] Life Insurance Sector - In the first half of the year, life insurance premium income reached 2.96 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.6%, while total premium income was 3.35 trillion yuan, up 4.5% year-on-year [2] - The original insurance premium income for life insurance in June was 490.8 billion yuan, reflecting a strong growth trend [2] - Specific business segments showed varied performance: life insurance premium income was 2.2876 trillion yuan (up 6.6%), health insurance was 461.4 billion yuan (up 0.15%), while personal accident insurance declined by 6% to 21.6 billion yuan [2] - New policyholder investment contributions decreased by 3% for universal insurance and by 20% for investment-linked insurance [2] - A recent adjustment in the guaranteed interest rates for traditional, participating, and universal life insurance products is expected to shift new business towards participating insurance [3] Property Insurance Sector - The property insurance market is stable and improving, with premium income reaching 964.5 billion yuan in the first half of the year, a year-on-year increase of 5.1% [4] - In June, property insurance companies reported premium income of 183.9 billion yuan, a 4.6% year-on-year growth [4] - Breakdown of property insurance premiums includes: 450.4 billion yuan from auto insurance, 160.9 billion yuan from health insurance, 109.1 billion yuan from agricultural insurance, 79.9 billion yuan from liability insurance, and 29.1 billion yuan from accident insurance [4] - The rise in premium income is attributed to the high penetration rate of new energy vehicles, which accounted for 45.8% of total new car sales in June [4]

Core Insights - Non-listed life insurance companies in China reported significant growth in both insurance business revenue and net profit for the first half of the year, with net profit increasing by 242% year-on-year [1][2][3] Group 1: Financial Performance - A total of 58 non-listed life insurance companies achieved an aggregate insurance business revenue of 727.65 billion yuan and a net profit of 28.64 billion yuan in the first half of the year, both showing year-on-year increases [2][4] - Among these companies, 37 reported profits totaling 32.91 billion yuan, while 21 companies incurred losses amounting to 4.27 billion yuan [2][4] - Leading companies such as Taikang Life and China Post Life Insurance reported revenues exceeding 100 billion yuan, with Taikang Life generating 130.97 billion yuan and China Post Life generating 118.07 billion yuan [2][4] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The significant increase in net profit is attributed to product transformation that reduced liability costs and a recovery in investment income driven by a strong stock market performance [3][5] - The market exhibits a "Matthew Effect," where larger companies like Taikang Life dominate both revenue and profit, with Taikang Life accounting for 56% of the total net profit among the 58 companies [4][5] Group 3: Strategic Recommendations - Smaller insurance companies are encouraged to focus on niche markets and develop specialized products and services to enhance competitiveness, such as home care services and value-added health insurance offerings [5] - Companies need to proactively adjust product structures and pricing rates in response to the ongoing decline in preset interest rates, aiming for sustainable and high-quality growth [5]

Core Viewpoint - The non-listed life insurance companies in China experienced significant profit growth in the first half of 2025, with a total net profit of 29.34 billion, marking a year-on-year increase of approximately 236% [4][11][12]. Group 1: Profit Growth and Performance - In the first half of 2025, 59 non-listed life insurance companies reported a net profit of 29.34 billion, an increase of 20.6 billion compared to the same period last year [4][11]. - The leading company, Taikang Life, achieved a net profit of nearly 16 billion, setting a new record and reflecting a significant rise in investment returns [16][18]. - The number of loss-making companies decreased from 30 in 2024 to 21 in 2025, indicating improved overall profitability in the sector [11][12]. Group 2: Company-Specific Insights - Taikang Life's investment return rate rose to 1.8%, up by 0.42 percentage points year-on-year, contributing significantly to its profit increase [18][19]. - Zhongyou Life's new business value rate increased to 27.08%, although its net profit fell to 5.177 billion [20][21]. - Zhongxin Baosheng reported an investment return rate of 1.97%, up by 0.33 percentage points, indicating a positive trend in investment performance [22]. Group 3: Loss-Making Companies - Several companies, including Dingcheng Life, have reported continuous losses, with Dingcheng's net assets dropping to -264 million [25][26]. - The trend of losses is particularly pronounced among smaller insurance firms, which often struggle with investment stability and cost advantages compared to larger companies [29][30]. - The execution of old accounting standards has exacerbated the financial difficulties for some companies, leading to significant net asset declines [30].

Investment Rating - Maintain "Buy" rating for the non-bank financial sector [1] Core Views - The non-bank financial sector has shown significant market activity, with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange optimizing its IPO issuance and pricing mechanisms [1][4] - The insurance sector has outperformed other sub-sectors, with a strong growth in life insurance premiums and a downward adjustment in preset interest rates [4][22] - The securities sector is benefiting from a substantial increase in trading volume and favorable market policies, while the multi-financial sector is transitioning into a stable growth phase [4][31] Summary by Sections 1. Recent Performance of Non-Bank Financial Sub-Sectors - In the recent five trading days (July 28, 2025 - August 1, 2025), only the insurance sector outperformed the CSI 300 index, with the insurance sector down 0.18%, securities down 3.11%, and multi-financial down 3.23% [9] - Year-to-date performance shows the insurance sector up 11.87%, multi-financial up 6.24%, and securities up 1.79%, while the overall non-bank financial sector is up 4.94% [10] 2. Non-Bank Financial Sub-Sector Insights 2.1 Securities - Trading volume has significantly increased, with an average daily trading amount of 19,189 billion yuan in August, up 178% year-on-year [16] - The balance of margin trading reached 19,848 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 38.14% [16] - The average PB valuation for the securities industry is projected at 1.3x for 2025E, with recommendations for leading firms like CITIC Securities and Dongfang Caifu [21] 2.2 Insurance - The preset interest rate for traditional insurance has been adjusted down to 1.99%, triggering a reduction in preset rates for various insurance products [22] - Life insurance premiums showed strong growth, with a 5.4% increase in original premium income year-on-year for the first half of 2025 [27] - The insurance sector is expected to benefit from economic recovery and rising interest rates, with a valuation range of 0.60-0.91 times 2025E P/EV, indicating a "Buy" rating [30] 2.3 Multi-Financial - The trust industry saw its asset scale reach 29.56 trillion yuan by the end of 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 23.58% [31] - The futures market experienced a trading volume of 740 million contracts in June 2025, with a transaction value of 52.79 trillion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 28.91% [38] - The multi-financial sector is transitioning into a stable growth phase, with a focus on innovation and risk management as key future directions [44] 3. Industry Ranking and Key Company Recommendations - The recommended ranking for the non-bank financial sector is insurance > securities > other multi-financial [47] - Key companies recommended include China Ping An, New China Life, China Life, CITIC Securities, and Dongfang Caifu, as they are expected to benefit from favorable market conditions and economic recovery [47]