Financial Performance and Key Metrics - The company achieved double-digit growth across key financial metrics, with new business profit and adjusted operating profit per share both growing by 12% [6][13] - Gross operating free surplus generation increased by 14%, and dividends per share rose by 13% [6][14] - The return on embedded value improved to 15%, with net operating free surplus generation up by 20% [13][14] Business Line Performance - The Hong Kong market saw a 16% growth in new business profit, while Indonesia experienced a remarkable 34% growth [10][12] - The agency channel contributed 55% to new business profit growth, with active agents in Hong Kong up by 11% and productivity per active agent increasing by 4% [26][29] - The company is focusing on quality recruitment and productivity improvements in the agency business, particularly in Mainland China and ASEAN markets [26][41] Market Performance - The company reported strong performance across its core markets, with a notable increase in new business profit in both Hong Kong and Indonesia [10][12] - The agency strategy is being enhanced through targeted recruitment and training, with a focus on high-quality growth [11][41] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is halfway through its strategic transformation initiated in August 2023, focusing on value creation and operational effectiveness [8][9] - Investments of $400 million have been made in technology and capabilities to drive growth and improve customer engagement [9][10] - The company aims to return over $5 billion to shareholders between 2024 and 2027, reflecting confidence in its capital generation and strategic progress [8][16] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2027 financial objectives, citing strong performance in new business and effective management of in-force books [18][41] - The macro environment remains volatile, but the company is well-positioned due to its multi-channel and multi-market franchise [10][12] - Regulatory changes in Mainland China are expected to enhance agent retention and income stability, aligning with the company's focus on quality recruitment [26][28] Other Important Information - The company has settled the dividend claim in Malaysia, which is expected to positively impact future operations [6][64] - The potential IPO of the asset management business in India is under regulatory review, with updates to be provided in due course [4][8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook on agency business in Mainland China and Hong Kong - Management highlighted a strong focus on quality recruitment in Mainland China, with active agents up by 6% and a change management program in place [26][28] - In Hong Kong, agency new business value growth remains solid, with a good balance between agency and bank assurance [29][100] Question: Capital management framework and future buybacks - The capital management update reflects confidence in the business model, with a focus on sustainable returns and regular reviews of excess capital for potential buybacks [31][34] Question: Key drivers of confidence in achieving 2027 objectives - Management cited strong performance metrics, quality business focus, and strategic investments as key drivers of confidence [40][41] Question: Margin improvement potential - Management sees opportunities for margin improvement through repricing, operating leverage, and improved health contributions [44][56] Question: Variances and historical levels - Management expects to return to historic positive levels of variances by 2027, driven by improved claims experience and cost containment [62][63] Question: Exits in Africa and Malaysian dividend issue - The company is focused on deploying capital in markets with growth potential, with ongoing evaluations of its presence in Africa [63][64] Question: New business appetite and product margins - Demand for US dollar-denominated products remains strong, with no significant impact from geopolitical factors [71][72]