CATL(SZ:300750) Bank of China Securities·2026-01-06 02:32Core Insights - The report emphasizes the focus on technological growth in the machinery equipment industry, particularly in high-end manufacturing, as a key driver for investment opportunities in 2026, despite ongoing pressures on domestic and international demand [1] - The report maintains a "stronger than market" rating for the machinery equipment sector, highlighting the potential of hard technology sectors such as controllable nuclear fusion, liquid cooling, solid-state battery equipment, and humanoid robots [1] Controllable Nuclear Fusion - Controllable nuclear fusion is viewed as an ideal energy source due to its abundant fuel resources, high energy density, cleanliness, and safety [12][14] - The commercial application of controllable nuclear fusion is entering a phase of engineering feasibility verification, with significant breakthroughs and increased government investment expected to accelerate commercialization [5][12] - The BEST project has achieved key milestones, including the successful development of critical components, and is set to enter a phase of large-scale bidding in the fourth quarter of 2025, indicating a new stage in the construction of controllable nuclear fusion facilities [29][32] Liquid Cooling - The demand for liquid cooling is expected to rise significantly due to the increasing power requirements of AI and data centers, which are pushing traditional cooling methods to their limits [5][12] - The market for liquid cooling is projected to grow rapidly, driven by industry and policy support, with cold plate liquid cooling being the mainstream solution [5][12] - Key players in the liquid cooling sector, including those providing core components and innovative technologies like microchannel liquid cooling, are recommended for investment [5][12] Lithium Battery Equipment - The lithium battery equipment sector is entering a new capital expenditure cycle, driven by strong demand from electric vehicles and energy storage, leading to a recovery in the industry [5][12] - Solid-state batteries are expected to benefit from early-stage production and technological advancements, with major battery manufacturers planning to achieve small-scale production by 2027-2028 [5][12] - Investment opportunities are highlighted in companies involved in lithium battery equipment manufacturing, particularly those that are well-positioned to capitalize on the upcoming capital expenditure cycle [5][12] Humanoid Robots - The humanoid robot sector is transitioning into a phase of mass production, with several companies achieving breakthroughs in orders and deliveries [5][12] - Investment opportunities are identified in core components such as reducers, motors, and sensors, which are expected to benefit from the scaling of humanoid robot production [5][12] - The report notes that while hardware technology is improving, challenges remain in software and control systems that need to be addressed for further commercialization [5][12] Engineering Machinery - The engineering machinery sector is showing signs of recovery, with excavator sales in China increasing by 16.7% year-on-year in the first eleven months of 2025, indicating a rebound in both domestic and international demand [5][12] - The report anticipates a new upward cycle in the engineering machinery industry, supported by infrastructure investments and a recovering global economy [5][12] - Recommended companies in this sector include those that are well-positioned to benefit from the anticipated demand growth in both domestic and international markets [5][12]