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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.”

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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...