通信行业 2026 年度投资策略：继续聚焦 AI 算力

Group 1: Core Insights - The communication industry continues to focus on AI computing power, driven by the resonance of AI training and inference demand, with overseas CSPs continuously investing in computing power infrastructure [2][6] - The demand for optical interconnects is expected to increase significantly as the scale-up architecture evolves from in-cabinet to cross-cabinet and cluster designs [2][7] - Liquid cooling is transitioning from optional to a necessity due to rising cabinet power density, with overseas markets entering a realization phase and domestic commercialization accelerating [2][7] Group 2: Operators - The three major operators maintain stable performance, with a slight increase in profits despite revenue pressure, and improved cash flow quality [6][20] - Dividend payout ratios are steadily increasing, providing stable returns and valuation support for the sector, highlighting its attractiveness as a low-volatility defensive asset [6][24] Group 3: AI Computing Power - AI computing power remains in high demand, with both training and inference needs growing, leading to a clearer inflation logic in the network side [7][27] - The cost advantages of ASICs are accelerating their penetration, which is expected to enhance the share of optical modules in overall IT capital expenditures [7][45] - The growth of AI-related revenue is projected to continue, with significant increases in user engagement and request volumes for applications like Google's Gemini [27][30] Group 4: IDC (Internet Data Centers) - IDC valuations and positions are currently at the bottom range, with signs of marginal improvement in the industry [8][79] - Major internet companies are expected to significantly increase their capital expenditures in AI, which will positively impact the IDC market supply-demand dynamics [8][76] Group 5: Copper Connections - The acceleration of cabinet penetration is enhancing the outlook for copper connections, which are being integrated into high-end cabinet systems due to their low latency and power consumption advantages [8][82]