TLDR
- Corning secured a multiyear deal with Meta worth up to $6 billion for optical fiber and connectivity products
- The partnership will supply advanced optical solutions for Meta’s AI-powered data center infrastructure
- Corning will expand its Hickory, North Carolina facility with Meta as the anchor customer
- The deal is expected to increase Corning’s North Carolina workforce by 15-20 percent
- Corning stock surged 15.58 percent on the news, approaching its 52-week high of $96.64
Corning and Meta have finalized a multiyear partnership valued at up to $6 billion. The deal centers on supplying optical fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions for Meta’s expanding data center network.
The agreement supports Meta’s push to build advanced data centers for its applications, technologies, and artificial intelligence projects. Corning will provide its newest optical fiber innovations and connectivity products.
Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan said building the most advanced data centers in the U.S. requires world-class partners and American manufacturing. The partnership prioritizes domestic production capabilities.
Corning will supply products specifically designed to handle the density and scale requirements of AI data centers. The technology represents the company’s latest generation optical solutions.
Manufacturing Expansion in North Carolina
Corning plans to expand manufacturing operations across its North Carolina facilities. The company will increase capacity at its optical cable manufacturing plant in Hickory.
Meta will serve as the anchor customer for the expanded Hickory facility. The partnership strengthens domestic supply chains for critical data center infrastructure.
CEO Wendell Weeks stated the investment will expand Corning’s manufacturing footprint while sustaining a highly skilled workforce. The North Carolina facilities include two of the world’s largest optical fiber and cable manufacturing plants.
Employment is projected to grow by 15 to 20 percent in the state. Corning maintains over 5,000 employees in North Carolina, including engineers, scientists, and production staff.
Financial Performance and Analyst Outlook
Corning delivered strong third quarter 2025 results with earnings per share of $0.67. The figure beat analyst expectations of $0.66 per share.
Revenue came in at $4.27 billion, surpassing the $4.24 billion consensus estimate. The company recorded 18.27 percent revenue growth over the trailing twelve months.
Corning stock has returned 95.35 percent over the past year. The company has maintained dividend payments for 19 consecutive years.
UBS upgraded its price target to $109 from $100 and kept a Buy rating. The firm highlighted strong growth in Corning’s optical segment fueled by data center expansion.
Sales projections for 2026 and 2027 were increased. UBS revised growth forecasts higher despite questions about sustained AI spending levels.
Stock Performance and Market Cap
Corning shares jumped 15.58 percent following the Meta partnership announcement. The stock is trading near its 52-week high of $96.64.
The company’s market capitalization stands at $81.41 billion. Some market watchers suggest the stock may be overvalued at current trading levels despite strong momentum.
Meta’s investment in Corning’s fiber-optic technology extends through 2030. The $6 billion commitment supports Meta’s growing AI data center infrastructure needs.
The deal positions Corning to capitalize on increasing demand for optical connectivity in artificial intelligence applications. Corning continues to innovate in fiber and cable technology for next-generation data centers.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
