CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – AIA Group Limited (the “Company”; stock code: 1299) announced a resilient financial performance for the six months ended 30 June 2020.
Operating profit after tax (OPAT) increased by 5 per cent to US$2,933 million, reflecting the quality and growth of in-force business.
While value of new business (VONB) of US$1,410 million was lower in the first half, the Group has delivered very strong month-on-month VONB growth in markets as they emerged from COVID-19 containment measures.
The Group’s financial position remained strong and robust with 11 per cent growth in underlying free surplus generation and the solvency ratio on the HKIO basis for AIA Company Limited (AIA Co.) was 328 per cent.
The Board has declared a 5 per cent increase in the interim dividend to 35.00 Hong Kong cents per share. This reflects both the Group’s strong financial position and the unprecedented macroeconomic and capital markets environment caused by COVID-19.
Lee Yuan Siong, AIA’s Group Chief Executive and President, said:
“I am extremely proud of the way AIA’s businesses have responded with speed and compassion to the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, and provided uninterrupted support to our customers and communities. I am grateful for their dedication, collaboration and contributions in these unprecedented times.
“We saw very strong signs of recovery in new business sales from our markets as containment measures were eased. The growth in operating profit after tax and underlying free surplus generation demonstrates the resilience of our large and growing in-force portfolio and solvency for AIA Co. remains strong. The Board has declared a 5 per cent increase in the interim dividend following our prudent, sustainable and progressive dividend policy allowing for future growth opportunities and the financial flexibility of the Group.
“Since I assumed the role of Group Chief Executive and President in June, I have been working closely with the senior leadership team across the Group to develop and implement our strategic plans. We will build on our significant competitive advantages and transform AIA into a simpler, faster, more connected organisation. We will provide personalised and meaningful propositions for our customers, backed by exceptional technology and digital tools to deliver outstanding service. I am incredibly excited to embark on the next successful chapter in AIA’s history and to continue to deliver long-term sustainable value for our shareholders.” (PR)