AIA (01299.HK) +2.100 (+3.323%) Short selling $217.91M; Ratio 10.329% reported a strong 1Q24 VONB of US$1.3 billion, up 31% YoY at CER, and up 27% at AER, with growth driven by the performance of its China business and Hong Kong business. In China and Hong Kong, AIA's profit improved, resulting in an improvement in the VONB margin from 52.3% to 54.2% in 1Q24. ANP rose by 26% YoY.Although AIA's growth in 2Q24 was impacted by a higher base in the same period last year, the overall trend in the company's key markets this year remained positive. AIA's share price has slid by more than 25% since last year's results were announced and the company has responded to price weakness with strong growth in 1Q24, paired with new capital plan. The broker maintained a Buy rating on AIA, with positive growth prospects in emerging markets and increasing shareholder returns. The target price was $92.2.(HK stocks quote is delayed for at least 15 mins.Short Selling Data as at 2024-05-17 16:25.)Related NewsCLSA Adds AIA (01299.HK) TP to $82, Reiterates Rating Buy