Stockchase Opinions

Drummond Brodeur China Life Insurance LFC-N DON'T BUY Sep 26, 2008

Largest life insurance company in China. It is frequently played as a proxy on the Chinese/Asian market. China has recently made some moves to stimulate growth. Quite optimistic about the Chinese market over the coming 12 months. However, this company is expensive compared to global life insurance companies. Speculators stock.
$57.250

Stock price when the opinion was issued

insurance
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BUY
The overall long-term picture for life insurance companies in China is very good. An accounting issue took some steam out of the stock.
BUY
China Life has had a tremendous run. Prospects for growth is very strong. Recommends to buy for long term, not the short term.
BUY
This has been a favourite stock for investing in China. Has seen consistent revisions to higher earnings estimates. At the current price, there is a little bit of risk, but revenue growth is over 50% and they have had a good strong earnings growth in the 80% range.
DON'T BUY
Life companies in China are very expensive right now.
HOLD
Chinese financials have generally been looking a lot better. They did not suffer from the poor lending practices like other countries. This one has great potential. If you have a 3 or 5-year outlook, continue to Hold.
TOP PICK
Biggest life insurer in China and life insurance is something people buy when incomes go up. Continues to increase its earnings. 2.3% yield.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Oct 29/10. Down 40.04%.) China life-insurance company. Been affected the same as Canadian lifecos.
COMMENT

She is very cautious about the banks because of balance sheet concerns, but really likes the life insurance sector. Very low penetration of products through all of China. This one is well positioned and trading at a relatively low valuation. (See Top Picks.)

COMMENT

She likes the Chinese insurance sector. Penetration levels are very, very low. The bond yield in China is starting to pick up, and that usually helps the lifecos. This is the largest company in China. They have gone through a rough time over the last 12-18 months, so it is trading at a very big discount to its peers. It will benefit from higher interest rates. She prefers Ping An and AIA (AAGIY-PK), as larger and more diversified plays.