Zhongyuan Securities·2026-02-26 11:49Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the mechanical industry, indicating a positive outlook for investment opportunities in this sector [1]. Core Insights - The mechanical sector is experiencing a cyclical recovery, with significant growth in AI and humanoid robot industries. The sector outperformed the CSI 300 index by 5.38 percentage points in February 2026, with a 6.01% increase [3][4]. - Key sub-industries such as laser processing equipment, shipbuilding, and engineering machinery showed strong performance, with many exceeding 10% growth [4][9]. - The report emphasizes the importance of focusing on leading companies in cyclical recovery, particularly in engineering machinery, shipbuilding, and humanoid robots, suggesting specific companies for investment [4][35]. Summary by Sections 1. Mechanical Sector Performance - In February 2026, the mechanical sector rose by 6.01%, outperforming the CSI 300 index, ranking second among 30 major industries [9]. - Key sub-industries with notable growth included laser processing equipment and shipbuilding, while lithium battery and photovoltaic equipment lagged behind [4][9]. 2. Engineering Machinery - January 2026 saw a 49.5% year-on-year increase in excavator sales, with domestic sales growing by 61.4% [18]. - The report highlights a sustained recovery in the engineering machinery sector, driven by equipment renewal cycles and increasing export competitiveness [33][35]. 3. Robotics - The humanoid robot industry is rapidly developing, with a 14.7% increase in industrial robot production in December 2025 [36]. - The report notes that humanoid robots are becoming a focal point in AI applications, with significant advancements in technology and production capabilities [36][47]. 4. Shipbuilding - The shipbuilding industry remains robust, with a 11.4% increase in completed shipbuilding tonnage in 2025, maintaining a leading global market share [50]. - The report indicates that the shipbuilding sector is experiencing a recovery, with a strong order backlog and improved profitability among leading companies [50].