Core Viewpoint - The report from GF Securities indicates a significant increase in the price of G.652.D single-mode optical fibers in China, with prices exceeding 40 yuan per core kilometer in January 2026, marking a nearly seven-year high, driven by strong demand from both data centers and telecommunications sectors [1] Demand Side - The demand for optical fibers and cables is rapidly increasing due to the growth of data centers and special products, with a notable recovery in telecommunications demand [2] - AI data center demand is driving both volume and price increases for optical fibers and cables, with applications in data center ScaleOut scenarios leading to growth in transmission channels and fiber counts [2] - The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict is generating substantial demand for fiber optic drones, with deployment expected by mid-2024, further boosting demand [2][3] Supply Side - The production capacity of optical fiber preforms remains high, but AI and special products are encroaching on traditional G.652.D fiber capacity [4] - The majority of global optical fiber preform capacity is controlled by leading domestic, Japanese, and American manufacturers, and current production levels are at full capacity, making it difficult to alleviate supply constraints in the short term [4] - The introduction of high-value products like G.657.A1 and G.657.A2 fibers is expected to further strain traditional fiber production capacity, as these products share production lines with G.652.D fibers but have higher technical demands [4] Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on the optical fiber and cable sector due to improving supply-demand dynamics and the potential for high-value product development [4] - Companies such as Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable (601869.SH), Hengtong Optic-Electric (600487.SH), Zhongtian Technology (600522.SH), and FiberHome Technologies (600498.SH) are highlighted as key players to watch in this sector [5]

Core Viewpoints - The communication industry is expected to enter a new prosperity cycle due to significant improvements in supply and demand relationships, particularly in the fiber optic cable sector [1][14]. Industry Overview - In January 2026, the average price of G.652.D single-mode fiber in China exceeded 40 CNY per core kilometer, reaching a seven-year high, with some manufacturers quoting prices as high as 50 CNY per core kilometer. The price increase in January alone exceeded 75% [7][14]. - Demand is surging from data centers and special products, with a notable recovery trend in telecom demand. AI data center requirements are driving both volume and price increases for fiber optic cables, as they are widely used in data center scale-out scenarios [15][16]. - The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has led to a rapid increase in demand for fiber optic drones, with deployment expected by mid-2024. These drones typically require fiber optics as consumables, indicating a significant demand increase [15][16]. Supply Dynamics - The utilization rate of optical preforms remains high, with AI and special products occupying traditional G.652.D fiber production capacity. The production of optical preforms is the longest cycle in the fiber optic cable industry, and most capacity is controlled by leading domestic and international manufacturers [16]. - The production capacity of major fiber optic manufacturers is currently at full capacity, making it difficult to alleviate supply-demand imbalances in the short term, which is likely to keep prices high [16]. Investment Recommendations - The report emphasizes the importance of the improving supply-demand relationship in the fiber optic cable sector and the layout of high-value products. Both data communication and telecom demand are expected to benefit fiber manufacturers, with prices likely to continue rising in the short term [17]. - There is a significant increase in demand for fiber optics from data centers in North America, Europe, and the Middle East, with domestic manufacturers expected to gain market share due to limited capacity from existing overseas suppliers [17]. - The report suggests focusing on leading companies in the fiber optic cable sector, including Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company, Hengtong Optic-Electric Co., Ltd., Zhongtian Technology Co., Ltd., and FiberHome Technologies Group [17].