Citi initiates positive coverage on China Life with a target price of 40 yuan

Citi published a research report indicating that China Life (02628.HK) has initiated a positive catalyst observation, as it is expected to deliver comprehensive fiscal year 2025 results and record strong growth in new business value for the first quarter of 2026.

The bank anticipates that China Life's net profit for fiscal year 2025 will grow by 47%, compared to industry peers' growth ranging from 6% to 43%, outperforming most of its peers. In terms of new business value growth, the bank expects China Life to achieve a year-on-year growth of 38% on a comparable basis, also surpassing most of its peers.

Additionally, Citi expects that China Life's management will provide more positive information regarding the trend of new business value growth for the first quarter of this year and long-term dividend policy during the fiscal year 2025 results announcement. The bank has given China Life a "Buy" rating with a target price of 40 yuan, optimistic about China Life's well-known brand, extensive offline distribution network, and revitalization reform measures