2025-08-26 23:00Financial Performance - The company achieved double-digit growth across key financial metrics, with new business profit increasing by 12% to $1.3 billion and operating profit after tax per share growing by 12% [3][28][29] - Gross operating free surplus generation rose by 14%, marking a significant inflection point in capital generation [4][29] - The dividend per share increased by 13% to 7.71¢, reflecting strong financial performance and commitment to shareholder returns [4][29] Business Lines Performance - New business profit in Hong Kong rose by 16%, driven by growth in both agency and bank assurance channels [9][32] - Indonesia saw exceptional growth with new business profit up 34%, benefiting from a strong agency and bank assurance performance [11][32] - The health segment reported a 13% increase in new business profit and earned premiums, with over 300,000 new health customers acquired [15][32] Market Performance - In Malaysia, bank assurance performed strongly, but agency contributions were lower, leading to an overall decline in new business profit [33] - Across growth segments, new business profit was up 11%, driven by strong performances in Taiwan, Thailand, and African markets, partially offset by Vietnam [12][32] - The company remains optimistic about its Mainland China business, focusing on quality growth and effective risk management [10][32] Strategic Direction and Industry Competition - The company is focused on high-quality sustainable growth and enhancing shareholder returns through a revised capital allocation framework [5][26] - Strategic priorities include strengthening distribution capabilities, particularly in agency and bank assurance, and enhancing customer engagement [7][24] - The company is well-positioned to capture growth opportunities in high-growth markets such as Greater China, ASEAN, India, and Africa [2][24] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2025 guidance and 2027 objectives, emphasizing disciplined execution of strategy [3][25] - The company is committed to returning over $5 billion to shareholders between 2024 and 2027, reflecting strong capital generation [5][55] - Management highlighted the importance of quality new business and effective management of in-force products to drive future growth [23][55] Other Important Information - The company has invested $400 million in modernizing technology and capabilities since launching its five-year strategy in 2023 [20][21] - The agency force remains a key strength, contributing 55% of new business profit, with ongoing efforts to enhance recruitment and training [16][18] - The company is leveraging AI and digital platforms to improve productivity and customer engagement [19][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for new business profit growth in the second half of the year? - Management expects growth to normalize in the second half due to strong prior year comparators, particularly in Indonesia [11][32] Question: How is the company addressing challenges in Malaysia and Vietnam? - The company has clear plans to rebuild momentum and strengthen its position in both markets, focusing on agency performance improvements [20][32] Question: What is the outlook for the Mainland China business? - Management is optimistic about the Mainland China business, prioritizing quality growth and effective risk management [10][32]