中信证券：AI推理带动存储需求爆发，预计供不应求至少持续至2027年，涨价贯穿2026全年

Core Viewpoint - The era of Agent AI is driving a paradigm shift in the storage industry, with storage capacity becoming the core focus [1] Supply and Demand - AI inference is leading to a significant increase in Token consumption, resulting in a linear surge in KV Cache demand [1] - The mismatch between explosive demand and manufacturers' capacity expansion has resulted in a persistent shortage, which is expected to last until 2027 [1] - Price increases are anticipated to continue throughout 2026 due to ongoing supply-demand imbalances [1] Technology - In the context of extreme shortages and high costs of HBM and DRAM, manufacturers are collaborating on NAND innovation solutions to alleviate pressure on memory capacity requirements [1] - The trend of storage innovation and growth is expected to remain strong [1]