Back to top

Image: Bigstock

China Life's Revenues Grow on Premiums, Higher Costs Hurt

Read MoreHide Full Article

China Life Insurance Co. Ltd continues to benefit from revenue growth backed by surging level of premiums, especially in its Life Insurance business.

The recent interest rate hikes have aided China Life along with other companies like The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc (HIG - Free Report) , CNO Financial Group, Inc (CNO - Free Report) , Renaissance Holdings, Inc (RNR - Free Report) by boosting their investment results. In the first half of 2017, on the back of interest rate hikes, China Life increased its allocation in fixed income assets and increased equity investments.

The company has the most extensive distribution and service network among all insurance companies operating in China. This helps China Life to better serve its  customer  through an operationally efficient value chain.

In addition, constant product upgrades and new launches continue to help in sharpening its competitive edge.

However, the company’s rising level of expenses continues to hurt its bottom line. The increasing expenses ares primarily due to rise in costs associated with health insurance, accident insurance business, investment contracts, higher policyholder dividends, underwriting and policy acquisition costs, finance costs and administrative expenses. The same trend continued in the first half of 2017 as well.

Moreover, as most of the company’s investments are limited to China, it is highly exposed to market risks stemming from the economic downturn in the Chinese economy. Further, the investments outside the country are also exposed to foreign exchange risks and volatility in concerned markets.

Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?

Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.

With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.

It's not the one you think.

See This Ticker Free >>

Published in