Corning Inc. (GLW) Shares Surge 2.11% on Thursday, Topping 12-Month High Amid Apple-Backed Supply Chain Expansion

Corning Inc. (GLW) shares surged 2.11% on Thursday, extending their winning streak to four consecutive days with a cumulative gain of 6.21%. The stock touched its highest level since September 2025, with an intraday rise of 2.41%, signaling renewed investor confidence in the glass and optical technologies giant.

The recent momentum is closely tied to Apple Inc.’s $2.5 billion investment to expand Corning’s U.S. supply chain, announced in late July. This strategic partnership has positioned Corning as a critical player in domestic manufacturing, boosting its production capacity and long-term revenue potential. Analysts highlight that the collaboration aligns with broader industry trends toward onshoring and supply chain resilience, reinforcing Corning’s role in tech innovation and AI-driven infrastructure.

Institutional and retail investor activity has further fueled optimism. Major banks including UBS, Susquehanna, and JPMorgan upgraded GLW to “buy” or raised price targets in July, reflecting confidence in Corning’s growth drivers such as fiber optics demand and optical communications. Meanwhile, Norges Bank and Amundi significantly increased their stakes in the company during Q1 and Q2, underscoring long-term conviction in its business model.

Financial performance has also bolstered the stock’s appeal. Corning’s Q2 2025 earnings exceeded expectations, with $0.60 per share and $3.86 billion in revenue, driven by strong demand in Display Technologies and Optical Communications. The company’s recent $0.28 quarterly dividend, despite a payout ratio of 119.15%, has attracted income-focused investors, though sustainability concerns remain. Technical indicators, including a 12-month high of $69.59, suggest continued upward momentum.

Looking ahead, Corning’s exposure to AI infrastructure and 5G expansion presents significant growth opportunities. Analysts note that the firm’s Optical Communications division is well-positioned to benefit from global investments in high-speed fiber networks, a sector projected to grow at 8.2% CAGR through 2031. However, short-term risks include insider sales by executives and valuation pressures, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 73.53. Investors are advised to monitor Q3 earnings, AI spending trends, and trade policy developments to gauge future trajectory.