Amy Chan's questions to Huize Holding Ltd (HUIZ) leadership • Q1 2025
Question
Amy Chan of Citi inquired about the disparity between the year-over-year decline in First Year Premiums (FYP) and the increase in selling expenses for Q1 2025. She also asked for the sales outlook for the remainder of the year, particularly in light of an anticipated insurance pricing rate cut in the third quarter.
Answer
Co-CFO Ronald Tam addressed the questions, explaining that the Q1 FYP decline was compared against a high base in Q1 2024, which benefited from 'rush sales' ahead of a previous pricing cut. He attributed the expense gap partly to the lower gross margins of the growing international business. For the outlook, Mr. Tam stated that Q1 was likely the 'rock bottom' for the year, with Q2 showing a revival. He anticipates a rush in sales in Q3, especially in July and August, ahead of the expected rate cut, though he noted the effect might be more muted than in previous instances.