Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Recommended" with expectations of exceeding the benchmark index by more than 5% in the next 3-6 months [24]. Core Insights - The average new business cost for listed insurance companies has decreased by 65 basis points year-on-year as of H1 2025, driven by adjustments in preset interest rates and the integration of individual insurance channels [2][12]. - The VIF breakeven yield for listed insurance companies is estimated to be in the range of 2.21% to 3.39%, while the NBV breakeven yield is between 1.5% and 2.89% [2]. - The report indicates that the quality of liability management in the insurance industry is gradually improving, with a potential slowdown in the speed of convergence of "interest spread gains" [12]. Summary by Sections New Business Cost Analysis - The average new business cost for listed insurance companies has shown a significant decline, with a decrease of 61 basis points quarter-on-quarter and 65 basis points year-on-year [2]. - The report anticipates that as new business continues to flow in, the existing cost may trend downward [2]. Breakeven Yield Metrics - The VIF breakeven yield for major insurance companies is as follows: China Life (2.43%), Ping An (2.51%), China Pacific (2.21%), New China Life (3.00%), China Re (3.39%), and Sunshine Insurance (2.80%) [3][10]. - The NBV breakeven yield for the same companies is: China Life (1.50%), Ping An (1.73%), China Pacific (1.76%), New China Life (2.68%), China Re (2.89%), and Sunshine Insurance (2.30%) [11]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends the following order of preference for investment: China Pacific Insurance, China Life H, China Re H, and Sunshine Insurance H. If the equity market continues to outperform expectations, New China Life H is also recommended; if there are signs of recovery in the real estate sector, Ping An is recommended [12].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for AIA Group Limited (01299) [2] Core Views - The company reported a year-on-year increase in OPAT of 12% per share, exceeding targets, and announced a new share buyback plan of $1.6 billion [5][6] - The company's NBV growth rate is in line with expectations, with a year-on-year increase of 18% to $4.712 billion [5] - The report highlights a robust performance in investment returns, with total investment assets increasing by 8.2% year-on-year to $255.3 billion [8] Financial Performance Summary - The company achieved a year-on-year increase in OPAT of 7% to $6.605 billion, with a significant rise in net profit attributable to shareholders of 81.6% to $6.836 billion [5][10] - The expected net profit for 2025-2027 is revised upwards to $7.774 billion, $8.434 billion, and $8.949 billion respectively [8] - The report indicates a total investment return of 4.8% for equity assets and 4.3% for fixed income assets, remaining stable year-on-year [8] Market Segment Analysis - In the Hong Kong market, NBV increased by 23% to $1.764 billion, with strong growth in agent and partner distribution channels [11] - In mainland China, NBV grew by 20% to $1.217 billion, supported by the establishment of four new branches [11] - Southeast Asia markets showed positive growth, with Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia reporting year-on-year increases in NBV of 15%, 15%, and 10% respectively [11]