Overall Review - The communication industry is experiencing robust growth driven by strong demand for AI computing power, with a year-on-year revenue increase of 4.31% in Q3, indicating a historically high level [1] - The AI computing sector is identified as a key growth engine, with significant capital expenditure from overseas tech giants leading to strong performance in the optical module and chip industries [1] - Major funds are heavily investing in AI computing leaders, with significant holdings in companies like Zhongji Xuchuang (57.7 billion), Hanwha (27.4 billion), and others [1] Overseas Computing - The overseas computing supply chain showed impressive performance in Q3, with net profits for optical modules increasing by 156.80%, optical chips by 121.24%, and liquid cooling by 27.78% [2] - Major companies like Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Amazon are continuously increasing their capital expenditures, driving strong growth in global computing and network supply chains [2] - The demand for high-speed optical modules (800G/1.6T) is being propelled by AI computing chip iterations, while upstream shortages in EML and CW optical chips present opportunities for domestic chip manufacturers [2] Domestic Computing - Domestic CSP internet companies (Alibaba, ByteDance, Tencent) are experiencing varied capital expenditure rhythms due to high-end chip restrictions, with Alibaba planning to invest over 380 billion in AI and cloud infrastructure over three years [3] - Tencent's capital expenditure decreased by 24% year-on-year in Q3 due to overseas chip supply constraints, while ByteDance is aggressively investing in AI [3] - The domestic AI chip landscape is improving with advancements from companies like Huawei, Cambrian, and Alibaba, which are accelerating iterations and volume production [3] Operators and Equipment Manufacturers - The total capital expenditure plans of the three major domestic operators are approximately 289.8 billion, reflecting a 9.13% year-on-year decrease, but there is a significant shift in internal investment structure [4] - Traditional investments in 5G base stations are being reduced, while investments in computing are experiencing double-digit growth, indicating a strategic shift towards becoming integrated service providers [4] - Upstream equipment manufacturers are also transitioning towards computing, adjusting their business structures to drive sustained growth [4] Investment Recommendations - AI computing is identified as the main growth engine in the communication industry, with a focus on the computing supply chain and the delivery capabilities of leading optical module manufacturers [5] - Attention should be given to segments such as optical chips, OCS, hollow-core fibers, liquid cooling, and power supply [5] - Key companies to watch include Zhongji Xuchuang, New Yisheng, Cambridge Technology, and others in the optical module space, as well as domestic chip manufacturers like ZTE and Shengke [5]
中泰证券:25Q3通信行业AI算力需求驱动结构性增长 国产芯片加速迭代