Goldman Sachs has issued a research report assigning a Neutral rating to China Life Insurance Company Limited (HKG: 2628). The firm established a 12-month target price of HK$28.5, derived from a 1.0x expected price-to-book ratio projected for 2027 and based on return on total assets. Key investor inquiries have centered on the sales outlook, the potential for growth and disruptions within bancassurance channels, as well as investment and dividend matters.
The insurer has reaffirmed its target of achieving double-digit new business value growth by 2026 and has emphasized its competitive edge in the bancassurance distribution network. A robust performance in the equity market during the second quarter of 2026 has already contributed to an improvement in investment results.
For investors concerned about base effects in the third quarter, the company suggested focusing on full-year profitability, particularly given the lower comparative base expected in the fourth quarter. Management has also expressed a commitment to working towards reducing the volatility in the dividend per share.
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