AIA Group's VONB leaps 18% as buyback announced

AIA Group Limited (HKEX:1299) announced excellent financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, with value of new business (VONB) up 18% to a record US$4.712 billion. All reportable segments achieved double-digit VONB growth, with annualised new premiums (ANP) rising 14% to US$8.606 billion. Embedded value (EV) operating profit increased 19% per share and EV Equity grew 9% per share. The board has recommended a final dividend of 130.98 Hong Kong cents per share, a 10% increase. The company returned US$6.5 billion to shareholders in 2024 through dividends and share buy-backs. OPAT per share was up 12%, and UFSG per share increased by 10%. AIA has also announced a new US$1.6 billion share buy-back.