Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-12-31 00:51Core Viewpoint - The report from CITIC Securities indicates that the home appliance sector is expected to underperform the market in 2025, with fund holdings at historically low levels, but recovery opportunities are emerging [1][2]. Group 1: 2025 Industry Review - The home appliance sector has underperformed the CSI 300 index since 2025, primarily due to domestic demand being affected by the reduction of national subsidies, high base effects, fluctuating tariffs, and weakening emerging markets in Q3 [2]. - The proportion of fund holdings in the home appliance sector has decreased to 1.93% from Q1 to Q3, with reductions in white goods, black goods, and small appliances, while components have seen a slight recovery [2]. - Currently, institutional holdings in the home appliance sector are at historically low levels, suggesting potential for recovery if domestic policies are implemented and external disturbances ease [2]. Group 2: Focus Areas for 2026 - The "old-for-new" policy is likely to continue, stabilizing domestic sales of home appliances. In 2025, the national subsidy program is expected to expand, with over 128 million units of 12 categories of appliances exchanged, utilizing more than 80 billion yuan of funds [3]. - Tariff impacts are gradually diminishing, with Chinese appliance exports to the U.S. recovering as trade relations stabilize. Companies are accelerating overseas production to mitigate future tariff uncertainties, particularly in emerging markets where penetration rates are low [3]. - The Mini LED television market is experiencing accelerated penetration driven by cost reductions and new product launches from leading manufacturers, with Chinese brands holding significant market shares [4]. - The commercial cold chain sector is expected to rebound in 2026, with leading companies seeing stabilization in frozen business and growth in new segments like smart cabinets [5]. - Component manufacturers are transitioning towards liquid cooling technologies, which are becoming essential in high-density data centers, leveraging existing expertise in thermal management and fluid control [5]. Group 3: Material Price Fluctuations - The impact of raw material price fluctuations is relatively limited, with copper and aluminum prices increasing by 17% and 5% respectively since Q4 2025, while prices for ABS, PP, and PS have decreased significantly [6][7]. - The overall cost index for white goods has shown mixed results, with air conditioners seeing a 3% increase in costs, while refrigerators and washing machines have experienced slight declines [7]. Group 4: Investment Strategy - In 2026, focus on companies that will benefit from continued national subsidies, particularly leading white goods manufacturers [9]. - Attention should be given to overseas companies with manufacturing and brand advantages, as they can effectively navigate trade risks and capitalize on emerging market growth [9]. - The Mini LED market is rapidly expanding, with Chinese leaders positioned to benefit from this trend [9]. - Commercial cold chain leaders are expected to see growth in new business segments driven by increased market share among key clients [9]. - Component companies are encouraged to pursue upgrades, particularly in liquid cooling technologies for AI data centers [9].