[ET Net News Agency, 19 March 2018] Nomura lowered its target price for New China Life
(NCI)(01336) to HK$76.67 from HK$78.11, and reiterated its "buy/outperform" rating.
The research house lowered its FY2017 NBV growth forecast by 7% due to the negative
impact from the tightening of regulations since 4Q 2017, but increased its FY2017 earnings
forecast by 3% given its strong financial performance.
With the first two months of 2018 total premiums only growing by 3%, Nomura expects NBV
to grow 19% in FY2017. But it believes the premium growth would gradually stabilise from
2Q 2018 as the company gradually shifts its focus to the protection business and
increasing its agent team. (KL)