PING AN Reports 8.8% Decrease in Interim NP to RMB 68.047 Billion; Interim DPS Increases to RMB 0.95

The analyst rating for PING AN (02318.HK) is a Buy, primarily due to several key factors highlighted in the UBS research report. These include: 1. Attractive Risk/Reward: The stock presents a favorable risk/reward profile, making it an appealing investment choice. 2. Strong Growth Acceleration: UBS anticipates significant growth in the group's operating profit after tax (OPAT) in the fourth quarter of 2025. 3. High Expected Dividend Yields: The expected dividend yields of 4.9% for 2025 and 5.1% for 2026 are relatively high, which adds to the stock's attractiveness. 4. Clear Dividend Policy: The presence of a clear dividend policy further enhances investor confidence in the stock. Overall, these factors contribute to UBS's positive outlook on PING AN, reinforcing its position as a top pick in the insurance sector.

The analyst rating from Morgan Stanley is based on the belief that the recent measures issued by China's National Administration of Financial Regulation (NAFR) will benefit insurers by easing capital requirements and encouraging them to invest in the stock market as long-term investors. This is expected to lead to continued inflows of insurance funds into the stock market, which could positively impact equity markets. As a result, Morgan Stanley reiterated its top pick view on PING AN, anticipating that the company could further benefit from the new regulatory rule.

Morgan Stanley's positive analyst rating for PING AN (02318.HK) is based on the belief that the company can capitalize on key opportunities in wealth management, healthcare, and senior care services. The firm noted that investor concerns are diminishing, which could lead to a revaluation of the stock. Additionally, the report highlights PING AN's significant growth potential, driven by the solid growth of Chinese household wealth, with financial assets projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% from 2024 to 2030, reaching RMB440 trillion. This growth is expected to benefit insurance products, positioning PING AN as a major beneficiary in these sectors. As a result, Morgan Stanley reiterated an Overweight rating for PING AN's H-/A-shares and raised its target prices by 27% and 21%, respectively.

Morgan Stanley's analyst rating for PING AN (02318.HK) is based on several key factors: 1. Expansion into New Markets: PING AN is actively expanding into wealth management, healthcare, and elderly care markets, which is expected to drive continuous growth in revenue and profits. 2. Robust Growth in Life Insurance: The broker estimates that the new business value of PING AN's life insurance segment will see significant growth in the coming years, allowing the company to maintain its competitive edge in agency and banking channels. 3. Diminishing Real Estate Risks: Morgan Stanley believes that the market's primary concern regarding real estate risk is decreasing, which could positively impact PING AN's performance. 4. AI Implementation: The company's application of artificial intelligence is seen as a promising investment opportunity, as it aims to reduce costs and risks while enhancing operational efficiency. These factors collectively contribute to Morgan Stanley's positive outlook on PING AN, leading to its inclusion in the focus list.