Shoucheng's Robotics Bet Draws Global Funds as Buybacks Signal Value

HONG KONG – January 15, 2026

While the broader market navigates uncertain currents, a significant shift is occurring within the shareholder structure of Shoucheng Holdings (0697.HK). A pattern of quiet but sustained accumulation by foreign institutional investors has emerged, signaling what many analysts see as a strong vote of confidence in the company's long-term vision—a future deeply rooted in the burgeoning world of robotics.

This influx of "smart money" comes as the company's shares trade at what are considered valuation lows, with transaction data indicating that major foreign funds have been establishing positions at an average cost near HK$2.08 per share. Market analysts believe this activity reflects growing recognition of Shoucheng's strategic pivot from a traditional asset manager to an architect of a cutting-edge robotics ecosystem, backed by a formidable balance sheet and a clear path toward commercialization.

A Two-Pronged Vote of Confidence

The confidence displayed by external investors is being mirrored by the company's own management. Shoucheng Holdings has been executing a disciplined and aggressive share repurchase program, providing a powerful internal validation of its intrinsic value. In a notable move in mid-October 2025, the company bought back approximately 50.4 million shares for a total of around HK$115 million.

This activity has continued, with further buybacks in late 2025 and early 2026 reinforcing the strategy. The company's commitment was solidified in November 2025 with the announcement of a new, massive HK$1 billion share buy-back program set to run until the end of 2028. Such sustained repurchases during periods of perceived undervaluation are a classic signal of a management team that believes its stock is a compelling investment.

This capital allocation strategy is made possible by the company's robust financial health. According to its latest financial disclosures, Shoucheng Holdings commands a war chest of approximately HK$8.55 billion in cash and wealth management assets, coupled with a healthy leverage ratio. This financial muscle provides the flexibility to simultaneously reward shareholders through buybacks and fund its ambitious, long-term industrial investments without taking on undue risk.

Architecting a Robotics Ecosystem

At the heart of the growing investor optimism is Shoucheng's transformation into an "industrial ecosystem builder." The company is leveraging its unique "capital + scenario + operation" model to do more than just write checks. It aims to actively nurture a portfolio of robotics companies, accelerating their journey from the lab to lucrative commercial markets in education, consumer applications, and healthcare.

This ecosystem strategy is a key differentiator in a crowded field of technology investment. Rather than being a passive financial investor, Shoucheng is building a synergistic network where its portfolio companies can thrive. This hands-on approach is reportedly bringing several of its investments into a "harvest phase," with market chatter suggesting potential Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) from portfolio companies as early as 2026.

A Portfolio of Future-Forward Robotics

The theoretical strength of Shoucheng's strategy is backed by a concrete and impressive portfolio of robotics innovators. These are not speculative long shots but companies already making significant commercial and technological strides.

Leading the charge is Unitree Robotics, a developer of high-performance quadruped and humanoid robots that has drawn comparisons to global leaders. Valued at over $1 billion, Unitree has distinguished itself by making advanced robotics more accessible, with its H1 humanoid robot starting at a relatively low price point of $90,000. With backing from giants like Sequoia, Alibaba, and Tencent, Unitree is rapidly deploying its robots for inspection, R&D, and educational purposes.

Another key investment, DEEP Robotics, recently secured over $70 million in Series C funding and is a prime example of successful commercialization. Its quadruped robots are already deployed for critical infrastructure inspection, reportedly cutting operational costs by 70% for clients like China Southern Power Grid, and are even being used in Saudi Arabia's futuristic NEOM project. With a move into humanoid robotics and signals of a potential IPO, DEEP Robotics embodies the commercial potential Shoucheng seeks to unlock.

Further cementing its commitment to the next frontier of automation, Shoucheng recently increased its stake in Booster Robotics. This move is aimed directly at accelerating the R&D, production, and industrialization of humanoid robots, a segment poised for explosive growth.

Riding the Wave of Embodied Intelligence

Shoucheng's focused investments are perfectly timed with a seismic shift in the technology landscape. The year 2026 is widely seen as a "make-or-break year" for embodied intelligence—the convergence of advanced AI with physical robotics. The global robotics market is on a steep growth trajectory, with some projections estimating it will surpass $88 billion this year.

The humanoid robot market, in particular, is at an inflection point. Once the realm of science fiction, it is now projected to grow from just under $3 billion in 2025 to over $15 billion by 2030, a compound annual growth rate of nearly 40%. Experts predict that as Chinese production volumes drive down costs and U.S.-led AI innovation accelerates capabilities, humanoid robots will rapidly move from factory pilots to widespread industrial and service applications.

By building a diversified portfolio across this dynamic sector—from the accessible platforms of Unitree to the commercially proven systems of DEEP Robotics and the humanoid ambitions of Booster Robotics—Shoucheng Holdings has positioned itself not just as a participant, but as a key enabler of this technological revolution. As these underlying businesses mature and their commercial models are proven, the long-term value proposition that foreign investors are now betting on is expected to become increasingly clear to the wider market.