HTSC·2025-06-20 08:22Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the securities industry [7]. Core Insights - The securities industry is currently in a strategic opportunity period for balance sheet expansion, transitioning from a cyclical expansion to a resilient expansion phase, with large brokerages leading the way [16][19]. - The expansion of balance sheets is driven by fixed income investments, with a notable increase in contributions from subsidiaries, indicating a shift in operational strategy [17]. - The report emphasizes the importance of balance sheet management as a core profit source and a reflection of industry trends, highlighting the need for comprehensive asset allocation and international collaboration [19][20]. Summary by Sections Current Stage of Balance Sheet Expansion - The industry is moving from cyclical to resilient expansion, with total assets expected to reach 12.93 trillion yuan by the end of 2024, reflecting a 12% CAGR over the past decade [16][21]. Importance of Balance Sheet Management - Balance sheet management is crucial for securities firms, as it directly impacts their operational efficiency and profitability, with a focus on optimizing asset allocation under resource constraints [20][22]. Nature of Balance Sheet Expansion - The expansion is primarily driven by the growth of the capital markets, with a strong correlation between the total assets of the securities industry and the performance of the equity and bond markets [24]. Future Outlook for Expansion - The report anticipates that the balance sheet will continue to expand alongside the growth of equity and bond markets, with significant potential in the derivatives market, which is currently underdeveloped compared to international standards [27][28]. Paths for Balance Sheet Expansion - The report outlines three main paths for expansion: external mergers and acquisitions, internal growth through regulatory innovation, and international expansion [32][39]. Characteristics of the Current Expansion Cycle - The current cycle is characterized by a focus on fixed income investments, stable leverage levels, and increased contributions from subsidiaries, particularly in international markets [17][18]. Comparison with International Peers - Chinese securities firms are still catching up with their international counterparts, with significant room for growth in both scale and core capabilities [18][19]. Recommendations for Investment - The report suggests focusing on leading firms with strong balance sheet management capabilities, such as CITIC Securities, Guotai Junan, and China Galaxy, as they are expected to enhance capital returns during the expansion phase [19].