News about optical fiber

Prices for specialized AI data-center optical fiber are forecast to average more than five times their 2025 levels this year, and Corning has a supply agreement with Meta worth up to $6 billion. Its Optical Communications sales rose 32% to $2.07 billion in the second quarter, while segment net income surged 77% to $438 million. CEO Wendell Weeks said higher fiber prices are not the main driver of profitability; higher-value connectivity products are. TrendForce forecasts a global fiber shortage of 180 million fiber-kilometers this year, with capacity utilization at 92% and inventories at one month's supply, while expansion takes 18 to 24 months. Despite strong demand, Corning shares have lost roughly half their value since a June record high, though UBS, Citi and Bernstein have set price targets ranging from $140 to $220.