AIA Group Ltd (1299) continues to profitably grow in Asia. As disposable incomes rise it is very likely that the insurance industry will experience a long and fast growth trajectory in Asia and other emerging markets. American International Group Inc. (AIG) still owns about 19% of AIA and it will be interesting to see if they divest the rest of their stake or if they hold onto it. I’m sure they’d love to hold on to it, but if they have the opportunity to sell it and in turn buy back their own stock at 50-60% of tangible book value, I think they obviously would do better for shareholders with the buyback.
Full disclosure: Long AIG at time of writing.
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