Orient Securities·2026-01-06 05:47Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is maintained as "Positive" [4] Core Insights - Rising raw material prices have led some brands to initiate price increases, with leading companies demonstrating stronger pricing power and higher profit certainty. The upcoming CES event is expected to catalyze interest in smart consumer hardware [2] - The report highlights two main investment themes: 1. Leading companies exhibit higher operational efficiency and stability during cost-up cycles, making them preferred choices for conservative allocations. Recommended stocks include Midea Group (000333, not rated), Haier Smart Home (600690, not rated), and Hisense Visual (600060, increase holding) [2] 2. International expansion remains a long-term focus, with a potential valuation shift expected in 2026. Recommended stock is Stone Technology (688169, buy) [2] Summary by Sections - Price Increases: Midea announced price hikes of 2% and 4% for certain models starting January 3 and January 5, 2026, respectively, due to significant increases in copper prices, which have risen by 11% over the past month and 42% over the past year. Copper is a key raw material, accounting for approximately 20% of air conditioner costs [6] - Profitability Mechanism: The report estimates that a 30% increase in copper prices would necessitate a 5% price increase to fully offset cost increases, while Midea's price hikes exceed 6%, indicating effective cost management strategies [6] - CES Focus Areas: The report identifies three main areas of interest for CES: 1. AI glasses with over 50 brands showcasing new products 2. Robotics, including new laser radar lawnmowers and advanced cleaning robots 3. Other smart consumer hardware innovations such as AI companion robots and 3D printing [6]