Core Viewpoint - The insurance sector experienced a significant rise of over 6% on January 5, 2026, with Xinhua Insurance and China Pacific Insurance reaching historical highs, driven by a cyclical logic of improved expectations, rising long-term interest rates, and reinforced profit elasticity since December 2025 [1] Group 1: Market Performance and Expectations - The current stock prices reflect an optimistic outlook for the "opening red" period of 2026, with Q1 2026 expected to be a peak for value and profit growth [2] - The average new business growth rate for listed insurance companies in Q1 2026 is projected to be 30%, with bancassurance and individual insurance growth rates at 50% and 20% respectively [2] - The low base from 2025 for individual insurance and the increasing focus on bancassurance channels by leading companies are expected to drive growth in new business [2] Group 2: Interest Rates and Valuation - The significance of long-term interest rates breaking the 2.0% mark is highlighted, with market expectations showing divergence on future trends [3] - If long-term rates exceed 2.0%, it could lead to a gradual approach of P/EV valuations towards 1x, benefiting insurance stock valuations [3] - The 10-year government bond yield is anticipated to range between 1.7% and 2.1% in 2026, with a favorable environment for insurance stock valuations due to improving credit spreads and term spreads [3] Group 3: Business Value and Growth Projections - The internal value (EV) credibility is gradually recovering, with expectations of a return to growth in EV for listed insurance companies from 2025 to 2027, averaging 10.6%, 10.9%, and 10.8% respectively [4] - The new business value (NBV) growth rates are projected at 34.7%, 21.7%, and 10.0% for the same period, indicating a positive outlook for the sector [4] - The insurance companies are expected to improve profitability through refined management of liability costs and benefit from upward catalysts in the asset side [4] Group 4: Strategic Recommendations - Investment in cyclical insurance stocks with strong performance support is recommended, as 2026 is expected to see growth in new business and value alongside continued management of liability costs [4] - The focus on bancassurance channels and the improvement in payment structures are likely to enhance value contributions from these channels [6]

Group 1 - The core view of the report indicates that the A-share insurance industry is expected to return to a P/EV of 1x, with both asset and liability sides flourishing, driven by a recovery in EV growth and favorable interest rate conditions [3][4][36] - The report anticipates a long-term EV growth rate returning to double digits, with a focus on opportunities for long-term interest rates to break through the 2.0% threshold [3][36] - The insurance sector is expected to benefit from a gradual recovery in the equity market, which will enhance the investment ecosystem for insurance capital [6][39] Group 2 - In the life insurance sector, the report highlights a comprehensive and sustained widening of profit sources, with a positive outlook for the 2026 performance driven by asset reallocation and a gradual bull market in equities [4][36] - The non-auto insurance sector is set to improve underwriting profitability through a regulatory shift towards quality enhancement, with a projected increase in underwriting profit of approximately 5.8 billion yuan if profit margins improve by 1 percentage point [5][36] - The report suggests that the insurance companies are likely to maintain double-digit growth in core premium income and value growth in 2026, supported by effective channel expansion and improved sales dynamics [4][52] Group 3 - The report emphasizes the importance of the investment strategy, noting that the current low interest rate environment necessitates a focus on equity investments to enhance returns [6][39] - It is projected that the average EV growth for listed insurance companies will be 10.6%, 10.9%, and 10.8% from 2025 to 2027, with NBV growth rates of 34.7%, 21.7%, and 10.0% respectively [36][37] - The report indicates that the insurance sector's valuation is expected to gradually approach 1x P/EV as long-term interest rates stabilize and improve [39][40]