Core Insights - The storage chip market is experiencing a "super cycle" driven by AI, leading to significant price increases and improved profitability for storage companies, while terminal manufacturers face pressure to raise prices or reduce specifications [1][2][3] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The storage market is emerging from a low point, entering a new upward cycle, with 52 storage-related companies in A-shares reporting positive earnings forecasts for 2025, including 25 companies with expected profit growth [2] - Storage price increases are the primary factor behind the improved performance of these companies, with some reporting profit growth exceeding 100% [2] - Market research indicates that storage prices are expected to rise by 40% to 50% in Q1 2026 and by approximately 20% in Q2 2026, surpassing historical highs [3] Group 2: Competitive Positioning - Storage manufacturers are ramping up production to meet the surging demand from AI applications, with significant increases in memory requirements for AI servers compared to standard servers [4][5] - Companies are shifting focus from consumer markets to enterprise-level markets, where customers prioritize stability and reliability over price, allowing for better profit margins [5] - Companies like Jiangbolong are enhancing their capabilities through partnerships and new product launches, including a 37 billion yuan fundraising plan to invest in core technology and production processes [5][6] Group 3: Challenges for Terminal Manufacturers - Terminal manufacturers are facing significant cost pressures due to rising prices of components, including CPUs and storage, leading to a projected 14.8% decrease in global laptop shipments in Q1 2026 [7][8] - Major brands like Lenovo and Dell have begun to raise prices on their products, with increases ranging from 10% to 30%, while some brands are even canceling low-end models due to cost pressures [8][9] - The financial impact of rising component costs is evident, with companies like Transsion Holdings reporting a 54.11% decline in net profit due to increased supply chain costs [9][10]
“产线的机器已经开足了马力，订单排期到了明年，连客户要货的电话都不敢接了，怕得罪人。”存储超级周期下的众生相：谁在兑现，谁在挣扎