Core Viewpoint - The report highlights the challenges and transformations in the securities research industry, emphasizing the need for diversification in revenue sources and the impact of regulatory changes on commission income [2][8][10]. Group 1: Analyst Workforce - As of the end of 2024, there are 5,628 analysts in the industry, marking a 20.69% increase despite an overall decline in securities personnel [3][4]. - The number of analysts in research departments has decreased slightly to 9,619, with a median of 51 analysts per department [3]. - The turnover rate for analysts has increased, with 988 departures in 2024, a rise of 29.66% from 2023, while new hires decreased by 29.01% [4]. Group 2: Commission Income - Institutional client commission income reached 19.865 billion yuan in 2024, down 22.48% year-on-year, primarily due to a significant drop in public fund commissions [2][8]. - The average commission rate for public funds fell from 7.37‰ in 2023 to 5.19‰ in 2024, contributing to a 20.12% decline in public fund commissions [8]. Group 3: Research Reports - A total of 96,156 research reports were published in 2024, a decrease of 5% from the previous year, with 83 securities firms participating [6]. - The number of reports on Hong Kong and other overseas listed companies increased by 5.37% to 14,732, indicating a growing focus on international markets [7]. Group 4: Industry Trends and Recommendations - The report suggests that securities firms should enhance the independence and professionalism of their research, focusing on sectors like technology and innovation [11]. - Firms are encouraged to diversify revenue sources beyond commissions, exploring consulting and data product fees [11][12]. - There is a call for a more integrated approach to research across A-shares, Hong Kong, and U.S. markets to better serve international investment needs [10][12].

Core Insights - The report highlights the operational status of the securities research business in 2024, indicating a significant decline in commission income from institutional clients and an increase in industry concentration [1][4]. Group 1: Industry Overview - In 2024, 83 securities firms published a total of 96,156 research reports on domestic listed companies, a decrease of 5% from 2023 [3]. - 60 firms published 14,732 research reports on Hong Kong and other overseas listed companies, marking a growth of 5.37% [3]. - 93 firms released a total of 29,441 macro and strategy research reports [3]. Group 2: Institutional Client Dynamics - The number of securities firms serving institutional clients remained stable, with 92 firms providing research reports to public fund companies, an increase of 2 firms from 2023 [2]. - Commission income from public funds decreased by 31.67% year-on-year, with the top 10 firms accounting for 47.38% of total industry commission income, indicating a rise in industry concentration by 0.8 percentage points [2][4]. Group 3: Key Characteristics of Research Business - The decline in commission income from institutional clients is attributed to the public fund fee reduction reform, with total commission income falling to 19.865 billion yuan, a decrease of 22.48% from 24.868 billion yuan in 2023 [4]. - The industry is experiencing increased concentration, with analyst resources and commission income becoming more concentrated among leading firms [4]. - Securities firms are enhancing their research coverage of Hong Kong and U.S. stocks, driven by the growing interconnectivity of domestic and international capital markets [4]. Group 4: Quality and Compliance Enhancements - There is a continuous improvement in the compliance and quality review standards for research reports, with an increase in the number of compliance personnel and enhanced awareness of compliance within the industry [5]. Group 5: Strategic Recommendations - The China Securities Association suggests that firms should enhance the independence and professionalism of their research, focusing on deep industry chain research and establishing a scientific valuation method for emerging industries [6][7]. - Firms are encouraged to diversify their revenue sources beyond commission fees, exploring consulting service fees and data product fees to avoid intense competition based solely on trading commissions [7]. - There is a call for firms to adapt to the needs of cross-border business development, enhancing global comparative analysis and asset pricing capabilities [7].

Core Insights - The report highlights the operational status of the securities research business in 2024, indicating a significant decline in commission income from institutional clients and an increase in industry concentration [1][2][3] Group 1: Industry Overview - In 2024, 83 securities firms published a total of 96,156 research reports on domestic listed companies, while 60 firms published 14,732 reports on Hong Kong and other overseas listed companies, and 93 firms published 29,441 macro and strategy reports [1][2] - The number of analysts in the industry reached 5,628, marking a 20.69% increase despite an overall decline in the number of securities practitioners [1][2] Group 2: Client Services - The number of securities firms serving institutional clients remained stable, with 92 firms providing services to public fund companies, 59 to insurance companies, and 37 to QFII and RQFII institutions [2][3] - Commission income from public funds decreased by 31.67% year-on-year, with the top 10 firms accounting for 47.38% of total industry commission income, indicating a rise in industry concentration [2][3] Group 3: Key Trends - The report identifies five major trends in the securities research business: 1. A significant decline in commission income due to public fund fee reduction reforms, with institutional client commission income dropping by 22.48% to 19.865 billion yuan [2][3] 2. Increased industry concentration as resources are directed towards leading firms for better research services [3] 3. Enhanced research coverage of Hong Kong and US stocks, with a growth in the number of reports published on overseas companies [3] 4. Rising standards for compliance and quality in research reports, with an increase in the number of compliance personnel [3] 5. Development of industry and policy research platforms by securities firms to support national and local industrial upgrades [3][4] Group 4: Recommendations - The China Securities Association suggests three key actions for the industry: 1. Enhance the independence and professionalism of research to fulfill social responsibilities and deepen research in key sectors like AI and new energy [4][5] 2. Clarify the positioning of research institutions to promote healthy competition and diversify revenue sources beyond commission [5] 3. Adapt to the needs of cross-border business development and strengthen global comparative analysis and asset pricing capabilities [5]