# Corning's optical fiber sales surge as AI data centers expand

Digest AI · Hardware & Compute · published 2026-10-30T15:09:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/corning-s-optical-fiber-sales-surge-as-ai-data-centers-expand

## Summary

Corning Inc. reported a strong third quarter of 2026, generating $5.1 billion in core revenue, with its optical communications segment climbing 44% to $2.4 billion. AI‑related sales more than doubled year over year, lifting the segment’s net income to $532 million and contributing most of the company’s total profit of $795 million. The firm’s new Multicore Fiber cable, which packs four cores into a single strand, lets data‑center operators achieve the same performance with 75% fewer cables, a benefit that is driving large orders from hyperscalers. Meta Platforms and Amazon each plan to spend about $6 billion on Corning’s optical connectivity solutions, and Nvidia is providing funding and technical support to expand manufacturing capacity.

Corning’s stock has risen 44% so far in 2026, far outpacing Nvidia’s 16% gain despite Nvidia’s market cap swelling to over $5.2 trillion. The company hit a $20 billion annual run‑rate revenue, aiming for $30 billion by the end of 2028 and $40 billion by 2030. At a price‑to‑earnings ratio of 40.6 versus Nvidia’s 27.5, analysts see the current price as potentially attractive, especially if earnings grow from $3.11 per share to $4.40 per share in 2027 as projected. The article notes the stock could be a good long‑term buy, but stresses a long‑term view is essential.

## Key points

- Corning's Q3 2026 core revenue reached $5.1 billion, with optical communications up 44% to $2.4 billion
- Meta and Amazon each plan to spend about $6 billion on Corning's optical connectivity solutions
- Corning's stock rose 44% in 2026, while Nvidia's stock is up only 16% YTD

## Why it matters

Faster, energy‑efficient fiber optics are critical for scaling AI data centers, shifting demand from copper and boosting suppliers that enable the AI infrastructure boom.

## Sources

1. [Meet the Brilliant AI Stock Obliterating Nvidia in 2026 With a Return of 44%](https://fool.com/investing/2026/10/31/meet-brilliant-ai-stock-nvidia-in-2026-return-44) (fool.com, 2026-10-30)

Part of the developing story: [Big Tech Races to Fund AI Infrastructure](https://digestai.news/thread/microsoft-directs-azure-software-teams-to-cut-costs-by-20-amid-ai-spending) (7 stories)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Corning's optical fiber sales surge as AI data centers expand", 30 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/corning-s-optical-fiber-sales-surge-as-ai-data-centers-expand

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