经济观察报·2025-09-12 12:43Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current state of the optical module industry, particularly in the context of AI-driven demand and the recent surge in stock prices, questioning whether this is a new era or just a cyclical peak [1][4]. Market Performance - On September 11, the A-share market saw a significant increase, particularly in the CPO (Co-Packaged Optics) sector, which rose by 6.64%, attracting a net inflow of 19.763 billion yuan [2]. - Three companies, NewEase (300502.SZ), Zhongji Xuchuang (300308.SZ), and Tianfu Communication (300394.SZ), collectively referred to as "Yizhongtian," saw their stock prices rise significantly, with NewEase up 13.42%, Zhongji Xuchuang up 14.28%, and Tianfu Communication up 13.54% [2]. AI Demand and Infrastructure - Oracle's unexpected performance guidance due to increased cloud infrastructure contracts signaled strong ongoing demand for AI computing power, which in turn spurred interest in optical modules as essential components for data transmission [3]. - The optical module market has become a focal point for investors, with AI computing hardware being a primary driver of growth since 2025 [4]. Optical Expo Insights - The 26th China International Optoelectronic Expo (CIOE) attracted 77,418 attendees, highlighting the growing interest in optical communication technologies [6]. - The expo showcased advancements in high-speed optical modules, with major companies presenting their latest technologies in 800G and 1.6T modules, as well as CPO solutions [6][9]. Technological Developments - Optical modules are critical for high-speed data transmission, converting electrical signals to optical signals and vice versa, with a shift from traditional copper cables to faster, more efficient optical solutions driven by AI demands [7][8]. - CPO technology, which integrates optical components with switching chips on a single substrate, is emerging as a solution to reduce signal loss and power consumption [9]. Financial Performance - Companies in the optical module sector reported strong financial results, with Zhongji Xuchuang's net profit for the first half of 2025 reaching 3.995 billion yuan, a 69.4% increase year-on-year, and NewEase's net profit soaring by 355.68% to 3.942 billion yuan [16]. - The competitive landscape is shifting, with NewEase closing the gap on Zhongji Xuchuang in terms of revenue and profitability [17]. Market Debate - A debate has emerged regarding the sustainability of high valuations in the optical module sector, with some analysts questioning the feasibility of projected profits for companies like Zhongji Xuchuang [19][20]. - The discussion reflects differing perspectives on whether the current demand driven by AI represents a new paradigm or a temporary cycle [21][22]. Supply Chain Challenges - The optical module industry faces challenges related to reliance on imported high-end optical chips, with domestic production capabilities still developing [22]. - Companies are striving to enhance local supply chains to reduce dependency on foreign sources for critical components [22]. Future Growth Areas - The market is exploring new growth opportunities, including the application of optical interconnect technology within servers and long-distance data center interconnections [25][26]. - The demand for coherent optical modules is expected to rise as AI data centers expand, creating new revenue streams for companies in the sector [26].