< The 2014 All-China Research TeamRichard YehCitiFirst-place appearances: 0

Total appearances: 4

Analyst debut: 2011Snagging the No. 2 position on this roster for a fourth consecutive year is Citi’s Richard Yeh. Stationed in Hong Kong, the analyst reports on 20 Chinese health care stocks, and among his preferred names in the group is Yantai-based Luye Pharma Group, a leading specialty pharmaceuticals provider that was listed in Hong Kong in July. The stock closed at HK$10 late in November, up 47.1 percent from its initial public offering price and 32.6 percentage points ahead of its peers. Yeh saw an opportunity from the start, publishing a 100-page initiation report analyzing the drugmaker’s specialty-pharma model, key products and unique R&D platforms and pipeline, he says. That was followed with a two-part, 150-page deeper analysis of Luye’s acquisition of competitor Beijing Jialin Pharmaceutical Co. in late October. In general, the Citi researcher maintains a positive stance on his sector for the year ahead — over the 12 months through late November, domestic health care stocks posted a 19.5 percent gain, while the broad market declined by 2.2 percent. Although he believes that the group’s growth may remain solid, Yeh is more cautious on its valuations, which are “at the higher end of the range,” he notes, “and may become vulnerable to corrections if there are major unfavorable policy changes.” Clients praise Yeh’s resourcefulness and extensive knowledge. “Richard is one of the best health care analysts in town,” asserts one money manager.