0825 GMT - Insurer AIA Group's plan to expand in China, with a new growth target, could be well-received by the market, UOB Kay Hian's Kenny Lim says in a note. The group's China segment surprised, with its new business margin expanding to 58.6% in 1H despite lower assumed economic changes, he says. The insurer targets a 40% new business value CAGR over 2025-2030 from nine regions in China, which is ambitious, Lim adds. Higher margin estimates in China and Thailand, AIA's fastest-growing Southeast Asian market, lead the analyst to raise his 2025-2027 forecasts for new business value and operating profit after tax. UOB KH maintains its buy rating and HK$91.00 target. Shares end 1.5% lower at HK$73.45. (megan.cheah@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

August 26, 2025 04:25 ET (08:25 GMT)

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