Core Viewpoint - The report from Dongfang Securities indicates that by 2026, AI is expected to transition from technological innovation and business logic restructuring to industrial application and global rule-making, with significant growth anticipated in various retail sectors driven by AI, particularly in cross-border e-commerce and e-commerce services [1]. Group 1: AI Commercialization and Market Trends - Recent AI applications are catalyzing growth, with 2026 projected to be a commercial turning point [2] - Companies like Zhiyu Technology and MiniMax have recently gone public, with market capitalizations of 698 billion and 1,054 billion HKD respectively, and MiniMax saw a 109% increase on its first trading day [2] - WeChat announced an AI application and online tool growth plan, providing comprehensive support including cloud development resources and AI computing power [2] - Meta's acquisition of AI startup Manus for over 2 billion USD (approximately 140 billion RMB) is noted as its third-largest acquisition [2] - Upcoming AI events include the AIGC China Developer Conference and the involvement of Huoshan Engine as an exclusive AI cloud partner for the Spring Festival Gala [2] Group 2: AI in Cross-Border E-commerce - AI tools are enhancing efficiency in content creation, customer service, and translation, while also improving inventory management through data analysis [3] - Over 30,000 merchants in Xiaogoods City are utilizing AI tools, with over 1 billion uses of self-developed AI applications [3] - Jiao Dian Technology reported a membership penetration rate exceeding 50% for its AI services on the China Manufacturing Network [3] - Huakai Yibai is leveraging its "Yibai Cloud" platform for intelligent enterprise management [3] - Jihong Co. is using its "Giikin" system to implement AI algorithms for market analysis and user profiling [3] Group 3: AI in E-commerce Services - TP companies are using AI tools to analyze consumer shopping preferences, enhancing product visibility and purchase intent [4] - Qingmu Technology has developed various technical tools to support the accelerated application of AI in e-commerce operations [4] - Yiwan Yichuang, as an early partner with Alibaba, is building a GEO-related team to gain competitive advantages [4] - Kaichun Co. has established an "AI Intelligent Laboratory" to deepen strategic cooperation with Alibaba [4] Group 4: Investment Recommendations - Recommended investments in AI-driven cross-border e-commerce include Xiaogoods City and Jiao Dian Technology for B2B, and Huakai Yibai and Jihong Co. for B2C [5] - Brand companies like Anker Innovations, Ugreen Technology, and Zhiou Technology are also highlighted for their AI-enhanced business efficiency [5] - In the AI e-commerce services sector, recommended companies include Qingmu Technology, Yiwan Yichuang, Liren Lizhuang, and Kaichun Co. [5]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" outlook for the retail industry, indicating a potential return exceeding 5% relative to market benchmarks [8][12]. Core Insights - The report highlights that AI applications are rapidly evolving, with 2026 expected to mark a commercial turning point for the industry. Key developments include significant IPOs and strategic acquisitions in the AI sector, which are anticipated to drive growth in retail [8]. - The integration of AI in cross-border e-commerce and e-commerce services is emphasized, with specific companies identified as beneficiaries of this trend. The report suggests that AI tools can enhance operational efficiency across various segments of the retail industry [3][8]. Summary by Sections AI and Cross-Border E-commerce - AI is expected to create new traffic entry points for B2B platforms, transitioning from SEO to GEO. Companies like Xiaogoods City and Focus Technology are leveraging AI tools to improve operational efficiency and customer engagement [3][8]. - Xiaogoods City has over 30,000 merchants utilizing AI applications, with usage exceeding 1 billion times [8]. - Focus Technology reported a membership penetration rate of over 50% for its AI services [8]. AI and E-commerce Services - The report notes that e-commerce platforms are shifting from SEO to GEO, with third-party (TP) companies gaining advantages through AI tools that analyze consumer preferences [8]. - Companies such as Qingmu Technology and Yiwang Yichuang are developing proprietary technologies to support AI applications in e-commerce operations [8]. - Qingmu Technology has created a suite of tools to adapt to evolving AI technologies, while Yiwang Yichuang is building a dedicated team to enhance its competitive edge in the market [8].

Group 1 - The company's brand management business is expected to continue high growth, with revenue from brand incubation and management services in H1 2025 reaching 233 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 86.46%. The core brand Cumlaude Lab saw over 70% growth in revenue during the same period and ranked first in the mid-to-high-end personal care category on Tmall and Douyin [1] - Third-party data indicates that Cumlaude Lab continued its high growth in Q3 2025, with a year-on-year GMV increase of approximately 94% on Tmall and Douyin platforms. Zuccari also experienced over 95% year-on-year revenue growth in H1 2025 [1] - The company signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Dermofarm in May, a well-known European pharmaceutical company focused on skin health, which is expected to further expand the existing collaboration with the Cumlaude Lab brand and enhance incremental changes from deepened cooperation [1] Group 2 - The company is actively embracing AI technology by establishing a dedicated AI team and building a series of data and technology platforms internally. It has developed various technical tools and systems, laying the foundation for the application of AI technology in e-commerce operations [2] - The investment suggestion highlights the dual-driven growth opportunity from brand management incubation and AI applications. The brand management business is anticipated to enter an explosive growth phase, with significant increases in the Cumlaude Lab and Zuccari brands, alongside the strategic cooperation with Dermofarm [2] - The company is recognized as one of the first ecological agent service providers for AI, with significant investments already yielding results. The focus is on the upward turning point in brand management and the cost-reduction and efficiency-enhancing potential of AI applications, with projected net profits of 130 million yuan and 180 million yuan for 2025 and 2026, respectively [2]