New energy vehicle industry profitability inflection point may emerge, Yifang Intelligent Vehicle ETF rises 1.32%

As of 10:10 AM on March 13, the Shanghai Composite Index increased by 0.02%, the Shenzhen Component Index rose by 0.36%, and the ChiNext Index gained 0.56%. In the ETF sector, Smart Automotive ETF E Fund (516590) increased by 1.32%, with constituent stock Putuolai (603659.SH) hitting the daily limit. Beterui (920185.BJ), Hunan Yunneng (301358.SZ), and Ningjie Co., Ltd. (002812.SZ) rose over 5%. Additionally, Fulin Precision (300432.SZ), Tianqi Lithium (002466.SZ), Zhongkuang Resources (002738.SZ), Ganfeng Lithium (002460.SZ), Tinci Materials (002709.SZ), and China Baoan (000009.SZ) also increased.

In news, NIO released its Q4 2025 financial report, achieving its first quarterly profit, with Non-GAAP net profit attributable to shareholders of 730 million yuan. This milestone boosted market expectations for a turning point in profitability and fundamental improvement in the new energy vehicle industry, serving as a key catalyst for positive sector sentiment.

Bank of China Securities stated that by 2026, advanced autonomous driving is expected to open a separate growth track, unaffected by pressure on vehicle sales. Currently, advanced autonomous driving technology is progressing through iterative upgrades and entering stable mass production. Continued policy support also safeguards industry growth, with the industry chain gradually improving from top to bottom. As the era of autonomous driving equality begins, we believe third-party autonomous driving system companies and those focusing on cost-effective solutions are poised to benefit.

Everbright Securities pointed out that advanced autonomous driving may reach a commercialization inflection point, while humanoid robots still await event-driven catalysts: Autonomous driving: 1) It is expected that autonomous driving has become one of the competitive features for passenger vehicles, with ongoing optimism about increased penetration of L2+ and related component shipments; 2) By 2026, commercialization of L3 and above autonomous driving is expected to accelerate, with opportunities for increased sales of detection and alert systems, as well as integrated driving assistance data recording systems (DSSCDA). Related testing agencies are also expected to benefit; 3) Focus on the application of L4 unmanned mining trucks and logistics vehicles in commercial scenarios. Humanoid robots: impressive appearances like Yushu on the Spring Festival Gala, with Tesla (TSLA.US) and Xiaopeng Motors indicating mass production targets for 2026. We expect humanoid robots to remain a key investment theme in 2026, with short-term catalysts from Tesla V3 release, and attention to domestic supply chains, domestic AI chips and algorithms, and technological breakthroughs.

Guolian Minsheng Securities noted that various regions are gradually launching 2026 old-for-new subsidy programs, which may stabilize and boost automobile sales.

Smart Automotive ETF E Fund (516590) is comprehensively positioning for opportunities in automotive intelligence and electrification industries.