GOLDEN SUN SECURITIES·2026-03-16 00:24Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the optical fiber and cable industry, emphasizing a new upward cycle driven by AI [4]. Core Insights - The current cycle is characterized by a structural change in demand driven by AI and drone applications, leading to a significant increase in optical fiber consumption [2][19]. - The supply side is constrained due to the long production cycle of optical preforms, which takes 18-24 months, resulting in a rigid supply environment [2][14]. - The report highlights the emergence of drones as a new consumption market for optical fibers, transforming them from infrastructure components to consumables [2][44]. Summary by Sections Investment Rating - The report suggests focusing on leading companies in the optical fiber and cable sector, such as Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (6869.HK), Hengtong Optic-Electric, Zhongtian Technology, and FiberHome Technologies [2]. Demand Dynamics - AI-driven data centers (AIDC) are expected to significantly increase optical fiber demand, with projections indicating that AIDC fiber demand will rise from 5% in 2024 to 30% by 2027 [21][22]. - The demand for optical fibers in AI data centers is projected to reach approximately 53 million core kilometers annually by 2026, driven by the expansion of cloud service providers (CSPs) [22][39]. Supply Constraints - The global optical fiber production capacity is highly concentrated, with over 60% located in China, and new supply is expected to remain scarce due to cautious expansion strategies [2][54]. - The report estimates a supply-demand gap of 6% in 2026, which is expected to widen to 15% by 2027, indicating a tightening market [2][51]. Price Dynamics - The report notes that the current price increases are not merely cyclical but are driven by a fundamental shift in demand and supply constraints, leading to a "supply-demand gap price increase" [19][27]. - The price elasticity of optical fibers is expected to be greater than in previous cycles due to the rigid supply constraints and the inability to quickly respond to demand changes [14][18]. Key Companies - The report identifies key players in the optical fiber and cable industry, including Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company, Hengtong Optic-Electric, Zhongtian Technology, and FiberHome Technologies, as potential investment opportunities [2][8].