1H26 preview: 2Q OPAT strength persists while NBV takes a breather

中国平安(601318)
    Ping An is set to release its 1H26 results on Aug 20 (Thu) post-market. We estimateGroup OPAT at RMB83.3bn (+7.2% YoY), implying a robust 2Q26 increase of 6.8%,(vs. +7.6% in 1Q26). We expect Group NPAT to reach RMB83.8bn (+23% YoY),slightly above OPAT, reflecting positive short-term investment variances from the 2Qequity market rally (i.e. CSI300: +12% in 2Q26 vs. -4% in 1Q26/+1% in 2Q25) andrevaluation gains on the conversion value of the outstanding convertible bonds.
    Key drivers for this solid 1H26 performance include 1) L&H OPAT expected togrow ~3% YoY (CMBI est) benefiting from a more stable interest rate environmentin 2Q26 (i.e. 10YR government bond yield down 5.7bps, vs. -17bps in 2Q25), whichshould aid new business contractual service margin (NB CSM) growth. This ispartially offset by a near-term deceleration in CSM release, as in-force book mixshifts toward savings products; 2) P&C underwriting to improve on disciplinedexpense controls, and we project 1H26 COR to edge down to 95.1% (vs. 95.2% in1H25); 3) PAB to deliver quality growth in line with its year-start guidance; 4) Assetmanagement profit momentum likely sustained thanks to improving sentiment andtrading activities. We remain positive on the Group’s core earnings trajectory,and reiterate our view on L&H CSM growth inflection by FY26E. Maintain BUY,with TP at HK$86/RMB75 (unchanged) based on SOTP implying 0.83x FY26E P/EV.
    L&H core metrics back on track. We estimate 2Q26 Group OPAT atRMB42.5bn (+6.8% YoY) driven by cross-segment growth. L&H OPAT is likelyto sustain its uptrend as CSM release gradually returns to a growth trajectory.We estimate the Group’s NB CSM to rise by mid-teens YoY in 1H26 against amore stabilized interest rate backdrop, though partially offset by a lower CSMrelease rate due to in-force product mix shift toward savings-type policies. Wemaintain our view that L&H CSM growth inflection will reach by FY26E..
    2Q NBV may moderate on stringent regulations and margin recalibration.We forecast 1H26 NBV at RMB25bn (+12% YoY), implying a flattish 2Q26. Thismoderation reflects 1) stringent regulatory oversight on bancassurance expensesextending from commissions to the full fee structure (i.e. Circular 65 in Mar 2026);2) a high base effect following the actuarial assumption changes as of end-FY25,which left NBV margin in 1H25 unadjusted. Looking into 2H26E, we think the highbase impact on new policy sales could be more evident in 3Q26, while the NBVmargin drag should gradually normalize toward year-end.
    Higher OCI allocation lowers bottom-line upside from equity rally. Unlikemajor peers, Ping An captured less NPAT upside from the 2Q equity market rally(i.e. CSI 300 +12%) largely due to its higher allocation of stocks and equity fundsto FVOCI relative to FVTPL. As of FY25, Ping An’s FVOCI stock exposure wasat 43.6% (vs. listed peers at 10%-31%). We forecast net asset value atRMB1.12tn by 1H26, supported by 1) robust retained profit growth from netearnings, and 2) a modest positive impact from higher FVOCI reserves (lowerspot yields) partially offset by an increase in insurance finance reserves amid thedownward trending 20-day avg. bond yield.
    Valuation: Ping An-H is trading at 0.52x FY26E P/EV and 0.75x FY26E P/B, witha yield of 6% and an average three-year forward operating ROE >13%. We areconstructive on the prospect of Ping An’s core business improvements, including1) accelerating Life OPAT growth in FY26E driven by CSM release and balanceapproaching to inflection; 2) PAB profit enhancement; and 3) ongoing de-riskingof the AM segment. Maintain BUY, with our TP at HK$86/RMB75 (unchanged)for H/A share, which implies 0.83x FY26E P/EV and 1.2x FY26E P/B.