Tag - insurance

05 Feb

Week in a Nutshell (January 30 to February 3)

Technical Talks

NIFTY opened the week on 30th January at 17,542 and the overall volatility was high, just like the previous week. It closed at 17,854 after making a recovery from the budget day low near 17,350. In the coming weeks, it might take a support at 50-week SMA at 17,260.

Among the sectoral indices, FMCG (+3.5%), Consumer Durables (+3.3%), and Bank (+2.9%) were the top gainers and Oil & Gas (-9.2%), Metal (-7.6%), and Pharma (-2.6%) were the top losers during the week.

 

Weekly Highlights

  • The US market closed the week in the green with S&P 500 gaining 1.6% and Nasdaq gaining 3.3%.
  • The Federal Reserve raised its target interest rate by 25 bps and continues to promise ongoing increases as inflation has eased somewhat but remains elevated. The benchmark interest rate now stands in the range of 4.50%-4.75%.
  • On 27th January, the Indian stock market completed the shift to a “T+1” settlement system, where every transaction will be completed within one working day post-trade.  India is the only large market apart from China to move to T+1.
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for FY23-24. Following are a few important announcements from an individual investor’s standpoint.
    • There were multiple changes in the new tax regime, which is without any exemptions and the FM has made the new regime the default one. However, the old regime continues and it is up to the taxpayer to decide which regime benefits her more.
    • The stocks of life insurance companies reacted negatively to the budget announcements as the new tax regime without exemptions prima facie looks attractive, and if taxpayers shift to this new regime, the insurance policy purchase may go down drastically as it is tax-exempt under section 80C in the old regime.
    • In addition to that, a tax has been introduced on income from insurance policies where the annual premium paid is above Rs 5 lakhs. This may also affect the demand for big-ticket insurance policies.
  • Maharashtra tops the list in sales of electric vehicles across all segments which have availed of the FAME II subsidy, followed by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Rajasthan. The top five states collectively account for over 56% of the 0.85 million electric vehicles bought through the scheme, according to government data.
  • During the week, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) sold shares worth ₹ 144 bn and Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought shares worth ₹ 141 bn.

 

 

Things to watch out for next week

  • RBI’s rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will meet during 6th and 8th February to decide the repo rate trajectory. The MPC’s comments on the Union Budget and its inflation outlook will be keenly watched. The repo rate currently stands at 6.25%.

Disclaimer: “The views expressed are for information purposes only. The information provided herein should not be considered as investment advice or research recommendation. The users should rely on their own research and analysis and should consult their own investment advisors to determine the merit, risks, and suitability of the information provided.”

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19 Apr

Confident of doubling FY19 VNB in FY23 – ICICI Prudential Life Insurance

Update on the Indian Equity Market:

On Tuesday, Indian equity markets ended in the red for the fifth day in a volatile session. The benchmark index NIFTY50 settled at 16,959 (-1.3%), dragged by HDFC (-6.3%), HDFCLIFE (-6.3%), and SBILIFE (-4.5%). APOLLOHOSP (+5.3%), COALINDIA (+3.3%), and RELIANCE (+3.2%) were the top gainers. Among the sectoral indices, OIL & GAS (+0.8%) was the only one to end in green. IT (-3.0%), FMCG (-2.8%), and REALTY (-2.5%) were the top sectoral losers.

Excerpts from an interview of Mr. NS Kannan, MD & CEO of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company (IPRULIFE) with CNBC-TV 18 on 19th April 2022:

  • IPRULIFE announced 4QFY22 and FY22 earnings. APE (Annual Premium Equivalent) grew 20% YoY in FY22, driven by multi-product, multi-channel architecture. VNB (Value of New Business) grew 33% YoY in FY22. In addition to topline growth, the VNB margin grew from 25.1% in FY21 to 28% in FY22.
  • The margin growth can be attributed to the increase in the sale of protection products and a diversified product profile.
  • The Company has an objective of doubling the absolute VNB of FY19 by FY23. IPRULIFE requires 22% growth in FY23 to achieve the target. The growth in VNB will be led by topline growth and margin expansion levers.
  • As the company recovers from the pandemic, it hopes for a much clearer route for growth.
  • Fulfillment was impacted due to the pandemic, the company could not get the medical examination of customers done. Given the awareness of insurance, the demand remains high.
  • VNB has grown from Rs 12,860mn in FY18 to Rs 21,630mn in FY22. The driver for this has been the partnerships established. ICICI bank accounts for ~25% of the topline. The Company has tied up with several banks (7 in FY22), which contribute ~15% of the topline. Direct business is ~13% of the topline. Agency channel contributes ~25% of the business. The well-diversified channel mix has resulted in topline growth despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
  • The growth driver for VNB margin is product mix. ULIP’s contribution has reduced from ~80% to ~48% of total revenue in FY22. The protection business has also scaled up significantly.
  • The savings business is expected to grow at the nominal GDP growth rate in India. The protection business which is an underpenetrated one is a significant opportunity.
  • The life insurance sector has benefitted from liberalization. Insurance penetration can be measured as a percentage of the sum assured. Based on that metric, IPRULIFE has a 13.5% market share.

Asset Multiplier comments:

  • The insurance sector in India is a multi-decadal opportunity aided by rising disposable income, young population, and awareness. The pandemic has increased the awareness of insurance and digitization initiatives by companies have helped meet the demand.
  • IPRULIFE is likely to see a growth in the Banca channel sales, aided by new partnerships forged in the previous years and a turnaround in sales from its parent, ICICI Bank. With a focus on scaling up the agency and direct channels through recruitment and training of new agents, we expect the topline growth will help it achieve its target of 2x VNB of FY19 by FY23E.

Consensus Estimate: (Source: Market screener website)

  • The closing price of ICIC was ₹ 512/- on 19-April-2022. It traded at 55x/ 48x the consensus EPS estimate of ₹ 9.3/ 10.6/- for FY23E/FY24E respectively.
  • The consensus average target price is ₹ 678/- which implies a PE multiple of 64x on FY24E EPS of ₹ 10.6/-.
  • In the case of life insurance companies, the embedded value per share is the correct multiple for valuing the company. The consensus estimate of this metric is not available on any of the websites.

Disclaimer: “The views expressed are for information purposes only. The information provided herein should not be considered as investment advice or research recommendation. The users should rely on their own research and analysis and should consult their own investment advisors to determine the merit, risks, and suitability of the information provided.”

By ICICI Prudential, Insurance , 0 Comments Read more...
25 Jan

The upward trajectory in VNB margin to continue – HDFC Life

Update on the Indian Equity Market:

On Tuesday, NIFTY50 snapped its five-day losing streak amid a volatile session. The index closed at 17,278 (+0.8%) as investors await more financial results in India and the outcome of the Fed Reserve meeting scheduled on Wednesday.

Among the sectoral indices, PSU BANK (+4.2%), AUTO (+2.3%), and MEDIA (+2.2%) led the gainers. IT (-0.3%) was the only sector which ended in the red. Among the stocks, MARUTI (+7.4%), AXISBANK (+6.5%), and SBIN (+3.9%) led the gainers while WIPRO (-1.6%), BAJAJFINSV (-1.4%), and TITAN (-1.2%) led the laggards.

Excerpts from an interview of Ms. Vibha Padalkar, MD& CEO, HDFC Life with Economic Times dated 24th January 2022:

  • HDFC Life reported 3QFY22 earnings, and all channels reported growth. In terms of the product mix, after 2 quarters’ lull, the individual protection grew by 20% YoY. Annuity continues to do well and reported 39% YoY growth.
  • On a standalone basis, the VNB margin (a profitability measure) has increased from 26.4% to 26.8% due to higher volumes and a balanced product mix. The CEO believes the upward margin trajectory will continue.
  • COVID-19 claims have reduced significantly in 3QFY22. From the peak of Rs 3,000mn claims in 2QFY22, the claims were reduced to Rs 170mn in 3QFY22. Due to the ongoing Omicron wave, the company has strengthened its mortality reserves and is carrying Rs 1,550mn of extra reserves.
  • The company has hiked its prices by 15-25%, which it believes was necessary. While the retention amount has increased, there was no impact on the solvency as reserves were carried at higher levels. Ms. Padalkar believes that price hikes for life insurance products and health insurance products are bound to happen due to inflation.
  • The solvency ratio was 190% before the cash payout for the Exide Life acquisition. The solvency was over 200% in 3QFY21, which was more of an aberration. The company maintains solvency in the 190-195% zone. She expects profits generated in 4QFY22 will add to the solvency of the company. Second, they have raised Rs 6,000mn as subordinated debt. If the need be, they can increase the subordinated debt levels.
  • The first step of the Exide Life merger with HDFC Life is complete. The next step is about 9months to a year away when the full integration happens and HDFC Life will be able to enjoy synergies. It will add 30-35% to the company’s agency channel and deepen its presence in South India and tier two and three towns.
  • The CEO believes the third wave has peaked in several parts of India indicating demand and all the macro indicators are robust. People’s attitude towards insurance has changed.
  • A lot of people reaching retirement age are thinking about getting annuity plans as they realise they will outlive their retirement age by ~20 years or more. The company’s retirement focus campaigns are also enlightening people.
  • The company is very close to its ideal product construct which is about a third unit-linked, about third participating products, and the balance non-participating savings products.

Asset Multiplier comments:

  • The insurance sector is a multi-decadal opportunity in India due to the under penetration and protection gap.
  • We believe the Company has maintained significant provisions to provide for claims expected due to the third wave. This coupled with a dynamic and balanced business mix, protection business strategy, and the expected pickup in agency business augurs well for the growth of the company.

Consensus Estimate: (Source: Market screener website)

  • The closing price of HDFC Life was ₹ 630/- as of 25-January-2022.  It traded at 94x/ 72x/ 62x the consensus EPS estimate of ₹ 6.7/ 8.7/ 10.2/- for FY22E/FY23E/FY24E respectively.
  • The consensus average target price is ₹ 787/- which implies a PE multiple of 77x on FY24E EPS of 10.2/-.
  • In the case of life insurance companies, the embedded value per share is the correct multiple for valuing the company. The consensus estimate of this metric is not available on any of the websites.

Disclaimer: “The views expressed are for information purposes only. The information provided herein should not be considered as investment advice or research recommendation. The users should rely on their own research and analysis and should consult their own investment advisors to determine the merit, risks, and suitability of the information provided.”

By HDFC Life Insurance, Life Insurance , , 0 Comments Read more...
01 Jul

Higher Provisions due to increasing Covid-19 Cases to be made – SBI Life

Update on Indian Equity Market:

On Thursday, markets ended lower with Nifty closing 42 points to end at 15,680. DRREDDY (+2.8%), HINDALCO (+2.1%), and BJAT (+1.7%) were the top gainers on the index while BAJAJFINSV (-2.2%), BRITANNIA (-1.4%) and INFY(-1.2%) were the top losers for the day. 

Among the sectoral indices,  PHARMA (+0.9%),  AUTO (+0.8%), and FMCG (+0.4%) were the top gainers, while IT (-0.6%), FINANCIAL SERVICES (-0.4%), and PRIVATE BANK (-0.3%) were the top losers.

 

Excerpts of an interview with Mr. Mahesh Kumar Sharma, MD and CEO of SBI Life on CNBCTV18 dated 30th June 2021:

  • SBI Life Insurance saw a slowdown in their group business in May. The company only registered a growth of 1.35 percent in new business premium, owing to the lockdown.
  • On a YoY basis, the company saw higher claims in H2FY21 over H1FY21. To address the issue of higher claims, the company has taken steps to tackle the negative impact.
  • SBI Life has set aside a higher amount for provisions for any potential spike in Covid-19 claims Rs 1,830 mn vs Rs 400 mn in FY21 and has changed the mortality assumptions for better risk management.
  • If vaccinations continue at this rate, the company expects the full recovery to pre-covid levels by the end of this year. However, the company is confident of a spike in claims during the upcoming quarter.
  • Despite the lockdowns in May, the company expects positive performance due to lifting restrictions and a digital outreach system developed by the company to contact its customers.
  • Individual Non-single premiums are the biggest contributors to the company’s new business premiums due to raising awareness about health insurance and other products due to the pandemic. The company expects to maintain its growth trajectory in the new business premium in the mid-teens over the next few years. 
  • The company hasn’t changed its underwriting policy. The company is confident of the vaccination drive boosting the number of vaccinated insurable population and has no plans to reduce the scope of insurance to the only vaccinated population. 

Asset Multiplier Comments:

  • The insurance sector has been one of the worst-hit sectors due to Covid-19. With the effects of the pandemic tapering and an informed target customer base, there are better days ahead.
  • India’s insurance penetration is very low compared to developed countries. This industry has reached an inflection point from where SBI Life and its peers can achieve steady growth.

 

Consensus Estimates (Source: market screener website): 

  • The closing price of SBI Life was ₹1,007/- as of 1-July-2021.  It traded at 53x/ 46x the EPS estimate of ₹ 19/ ₹ 22  for FY22E/23E respectively.
  • The consensus price target is ₹ 1190/- which trades at 54x the EPS estimate for FY23E of ₹ 22/-
  • In the case of insurance companies, the embedded value per share is the correct multiple for valuing the company. The consensus estimate of this metric is not available on any of the websites.

Disclaimer: “The views expressed are for information purposes only. The information provided herein should not be considered as investment advice or research recommendation. The users should rely on their own research and analysis and should consult their own investment advisors to determine the merit, risks, and suitability of the information provided.”

By Insurance, SBI Life Insurance , , 0 Comments Read more...
25 Nov

Low penetration translates to enormous growth opportunities – HDFC LIFE

Update on the Indian Equity market:
On Tuesday, the Nifty50 index closed at a record high of 13,055 (+1.0%) as hopes for faster economic recovery were renewed due to Covid-19 vaccine progress. BANK (+2.5%), PRIVATE BANK (+2.3%), and REALTY (+1.8%) led the sectoral gainers and there were no sectoral losers. Among the stocks, ADANIPORTS (+4.5%), AXISBANK (+3.9%), and HDFCBANK (+3.5%) led the gainers. TITAN (-1.5%), HDFC (-1.4%), and BPCL (-1.2%) led the laggards.

Excerpts of an interview of Ms. Vibha Padalkar, MD & CEO, HDFC Life aired on CNBC TV18 on 20th November 2020:

• The green shoots are being seen and each month has been better than the previous month. On YTD basis, the industry has declined 8% YoY while HDFC Life has grown 8%. The month of October 2020 has been one of the best with 50% growth in new business premium.
• The growth is not linked to the festive season because insurance is a long-term protection and savings outlay. The growth is due to inherent need felt by the customers. Due to the high conviction about the need of insurance, the growth has been across distribution touch points-bancassurance, and the new age ecosystem channels.
• HDFC recently sold some stake in HDFC Life due to regulatory requirements. RBI had asked HDFC to get the shareholding in both of its insurance subsidiaries to 50% levels which led to stake sale to comply before December 2020. Despite the stake sale, HDFC will continue to remain the promoter in the foreseeable future.
• Penetration levels remaining so low, the growth opportunities for HDFC Life are enormous.
• Sanchay policies- the company keeps repricing it and over the past 18-24 months since the product was launched, pricing for new policies has moved in tune with the interest rates.
• The company’s focus has been on prompt protection-mortality, morbidity, longevity and interest rate risk.
• Unit linked products are continuing to see an uptick as there is a recovery in the equity market.
• Covid-19 products are awaiting approval and it is in combination with having an indemnity on covid and is expected to do well. There is an uptick on the Covid-19 claims, which is within the company’s actuarial assumptions.
• The protection products witnessed 38% growth and is one of their best performing products, followed by Sanchay product. Sanchay par advantage has catapulted to 30-35 % of their business and is under the participating umbrella of products.
• They expect a high single digit growth for Annual Premium Equivalent (APE) for FY21E. On Value of New Business (VNB), this year is going to be flat, and margins are expected to be at the same level as FY20.

Consensus Estimate: (Source: market screener website)
• The closing price of HDFC Life was ₹ 666/- as of 24-November-2020. It traded at 97x/ 83x/ 66x the consensus earnings estimate of ₹ 6.9/ 8.0/ 10.1 per share for FY21E/FY22E/FY23E respectively.
• The consensus target price of ₹ 642 implies a PE multiple of 64x on FY23E EPS of ₹ 10.1/-.
• In the case of life insurance companies, the embedded value per share is the correct multiple for valuing the company. The consensus estimate of this metric is not available on any of the websites.

Disclaimer: “The views expressed are for information purposes only. The information provided herein should not be considered as investment advice or research recommendation. The users should rely on their own research and analysis and should consult their own investment advisors to determine the merit, risks, and suitability of the information provided.”

By HDFC Life Insurance, Life Insurance , , 0 Comments Read more...
31 Jul

RBI should allow one-time restructuring rather than extending moratorium – Bajaj Finserv

Update on the Indian Equity Market:

On Thursday, Nifty ended 0.9%, lower than the previous close at 11,254. The top gainers for Nifty 50 were Dr Reddy (+4.6%), Sun Pharma (+3.7%), and Wipro (+2.5%) while the losing stocks were BPCL (-7.9%), IndusInd Bank (-5.4%), and IOC (-4.0%). The sectoral gainers for the day were Pharma (+3.1%) and IT (+0.7%) while the losers were Media (-2.3%), Pvt Bank (-2.0%) and PSU Bank (-1.9%).

Edited excerpts of an interview with Mr Sanjiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Finserv; dated 29th July 2020 from CNBC TV18:

  • Mr Bajaj extended support to HDFC chief Mr Deepak Parekh’s view that the Reserve Bank of India should not extend the loan moratorium.
  • Bajaj Finserv has a total of 6 months available for moratorium by September, and as the economy has started picking up from last month at varying speeds because of local lockdowns creating issues. But it is picking up other than a few key sectors like hospitality, travel, entertainment which are facing very high challenges. But most others have started at least doing okay. So, at a time like this, Mr. Bajaj believes that it doesn’t make sense to extend a blanket moratorium.
  • Moratorium numbers have come down significantly in the month of June as compared to April and May-20 for many banks & NBFCs.
  • RBI should allow one-time restructuring rather than extending the moratorium. According to him, let lenders decide on the basis of each one’s own underlying cash flows, because eventually, it should be kept in mind that there is a cost to doing all this and somebody has bear that cost. A 6-month moratorium is long enough, beyond that will start creating a moral hazard that even reasonable quality borrowers will lose the habit of paying.
  • Bajaj Finserv sees Rs 6,300 crores of credit cost for FY21E.
  • The Company was fortunate enough to raise capital for Bajaj Finance last year. They are adequately capitalised with the Rs 8,500 crore raised last year. As the two insurance companies do not need it, Bajaj Finserv has a significant capital on the books from profits of earlier years.
  • The tier-I ratio is 23-24% which he thinks is a comfortable one.

Consensus Estimate: (Source: market screener website)

  • The closing price of Bajaj Finserv Ltd was ₹ 6,175/- as of 30-July-2020. It traded at 2.8x/2.5x/2.1x the consensus book value estimate of ₹ 2,188/2,478/2,873 for FY21E/FY22E/FY23E respectively.
  • The consensus target price of ₹ 7,248/- implies a PB multiple of 2.5x on FY23E EPS of ₹ 2,873/-.

Disclaimer: “The views expressed are for information purposes only. The information provided herein should not be considered as investment advice or research recommendation. The users should rely on their own research and analysis and should consult their own investment advisors to determine the merit, risks, and suitability of the information provided.”

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