GLW stock is in focus after Jim Cramer highlighted Corning’s efforts to replace copper with glass in AI data centers. Investors see a clear link to growing demand for data center optics. Recently, GLW stock closed at $90.67, up $3.11 or 3.55%, within an intraday range of $88.14 to $90.72 and below its 52-week high of $96.64. Shares are trading above the 50-day average of $86.44 and the 200-day average of $65.37. With heavy investments in AI, the story focuses on throughput, energy savings and total cost compared to copper.
Cramer’s Fiber Push and what it means for Corning
Cramer emphasized that hyperscalers want faster, cooler and more efficient connections between racks. This favors optics for fiber-based data centers, where Corning is a leader in fiber and components. He touted glass as a better medium than copper for AI-scale networks, increasing investor focus on optical growth drivers. See his remarks for context here source.
GLW stock recently closed at $90.67, up 3.55% on the day, with volume of 4.59 million versus its average of 6.58 million. The stock price is above its 50-day trend markers of $86.44 and 200-day $65.37, with a 52-week range of $37.31 to $96.64. The ATR at 2.64 shows moderate daily fluctuations as enthusiasm for AI optics meets the valuation debate.
Morgan Stanley maintained Equal Weight with a target of $98, citing optical upside potential but balanced risks source. UBS is more bullish at $109 with a buy. Across the entire coverage, there are 12 buys and 1 hold, a positive tilt. Targets range from $52 to $110, with a median of $83.5 and a consensus of $83.35, which is below the current price.
Glass or copper: implications for data center optics
Fiber provides higher bandwidth and longer range with lower signal loss than copper. This supports dense AI clusters where power and heat budgets are tight. Fewer repeaters and more efficient links reduce power consumption per bit. As switching speeds increase to 400G and 800G, fiber-based data center optics become the most practical route.
Fiber optics may cost more to deploy, but they scale better at high speeds and distances. Lower attenuation and smaller wiring facilitate cooling and airflow. Over time, glass links can reduce the total cost per gigabit and simplify upgrades to new speeds. This matches GLW stock’s sensitivity to long-term infrastructure spending.
Key risks include pricing pressure as volumes increase, supply constraints on critical components, and the timing of 800G to 1.6T transitions. Competing architectures such as co-packaged optics could change value capture. Hyperscalers’ investments can be cyclical, which can put pressure on orders. Execution in optical communications remains central to the GLW title.
Valuation, profit configuration and key indicators
At $90.67, GLW trades at 58.09x EPS of $1.56, 5.18x sales and 6.72x book. EV/EBITDA stands at almost 24.6. Free cash flow per share is $1.35, implying a P/FCF close to 66.7. Margins are solid at 35.69% gross and 13.41% operational. The setup assumes sustainable growth in optics, so any slowdown could challenge the multiple.
Debt to equity is 0.80 with interest coverage of 6.21 and a quick ratio of 1.56. The dividend yield is approximately 1.24% on $1.12 per share, with a payout ratio of 72.69%. Revenue grew 4.21% last year, while EPS fell 14.93% due to mix weight and costs. GLW stock needs margin expansion to support both investments and dividends.
Corning’s next results are scheduled for 01/28/2026 at 1:30 p.m. UTC. Observe optical communications growth, large customer orders, pricing and adoption signals from 400G to 800G. Updates on capital intensity, inventory and order book quality are important. Any comments on the economics of glass versus copper could steer GLW stock through 2026.
Technical picture for traders
The RSI at 57.82 is in neutral territory. The MACD is 0.95 against a signal of 0.96, almost flat, with a slightly negative histogram. ADX at 16.55 suggests a weak trend. The Awesome Oscillator is positive at 2.91. Overall, the band is constructive but not overheated, which is consistent with consolidation gains in GLW stock.
The Bollinger Bands show a middle band at 88.84 and an upper band at 94.04. Keltner’s midline sits at 88.17. The recent low at 88.14 marks first support, then the 50-day low at 86.44. Resistance appears near 94 and the 52-week high of 96.64. ATR of 2.64 frames of typical daily risk.
Trend followers might prefer pullbacks towards 88 to 86 with tight risk controls, aiming for 94 to 96 if momentum improves. A close above 96.64 could pave the way for new highs. A break below 86.44 would warn that the progression is tiring. This is not advice, just a framework for GLW stock.
Final Thoughts
GLW stock benefits from a clear theme: fiber beats copper for high-speed, energy-aware AI networks. Cramer’s spotlight grabs attention, while the $98-$109 targets show room if execution remains strong. The other side of the coin is valuation. With 58x earnings and high P/FCF, the story calls for sustained orders, better mix, and solid cash generation. In the January 28, 2026 results, we would focus on optical communications growth, 800G traction, pricing discipline and investment plans. For investors, it makes sense to be patient with downturns and closely monitor margins. For traders, stick to support 88 to 86 and resistance 94 to 96. Always size positions based on risk.
FAQs
Jim Cramer said glass-based fiber is better suited than copper for AI-scale data centers because it offers higher speed and lower power per bit. This corresponds to the growing demand for data center optics. His views shed light on GLW’s actions as investors weigh long-term fiber adoption.
GLW stock connects the two. Corning is a materials company, but its optical communications segment sells fiber, cable and hardware for use in cloud and AI data centers. The AI link involves faster and more efficient interconnections. Optical execution and the pace of hyperscaler investments determine the sensitivity of AI.
Fiberglass supports much higher bandwidth and longer distances with lower signal loss than copper. It can reduce power and cooling requirements by enabling efficient links and fewer repeaters. Although fiber optic may have higher upfront costs, it often reduces the total cost per gigabit over time and simplifies upgrades to faster speeds.
GLW trades at almost 58 times earnings and around 66 times free cash flow, with a sale price around 5. These are rich multiples that imply sustainable growth in the optical sector. If orders or margins slow, the stock could compress. Strong optical growth and cash generation would help support the current valuation.
Corning reports 01/28/2026 at 1:30 p.m. UTC. View optical communications revenue, orders, pricing and feedback on 400G to 800G deployments. Investors should also track margins, inventory and investment plans, as these will shape cash flow and guide how GLW stock trades through 2026.
Disclaimer:
Content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is for research and informational purposes only. Meyka is not a financial advisory service and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
