HCM CITY — AIA Group Limited posted an increase of 15 per cent in its operating profit after taxes, reaching US$3.98 billion in 2016.

The group released its business results last year, as its value of new business (VONB) increased 28 per cent to a new record of $2.75 billion. Also, its annualised new premiums (ANP) reached $5.1 billion, representing a 31 per cent year-on-year increase.

In addition, the group reported embedded value (EV) equity of $43.7 billion, while its EV was up 12 per cent to $42.1 billion.

Mark Tucker, AIA’s Group Chief Executive and President, said “AIA has delivered an excellent set of results in 2016. The board has recommended a further step-up of 25 per cent in the 2016 final dividend, from our higher base in 2015, to 63.75 Hong Kong cents per share. This dividend increase reflects our excellent financial performance and our confidence in the future outlook for the group.”

“We have made an excellent start to 2017, with a strong value of new business growth in the first two months of our financial year. We have clear strategic priorities in place and are committed to building on our strong competitive advantages by helping our customers meet their long-term financial needs through our products and services.”

“AIA Việt Nam is proud to be part of the group’s excellent set of financial results in 2016, with Việt Nam being a key market in the region. The strong business performance is attributed to the increased quality of agency force through our Premier Agency strategy, our expansion of innovative distribution models across Việt Nam and our partnership with banks. Our success is also a result of our leading the market with innovative customer service centres, such as nest by AIA, AIA Exchange and AIA NEXT,” said Wayne Besant, AIA Việt Nam’s CEO.

“Most notably, 2016 marked the launch of AIA Vitality in Việt Nam. AIA Vitality is the first of its kind app-driven wellness programme that motivates our customers to live healthier lives. We will continue to leverage digital innovation for the benefit of our customers," said Besant.--VNS