Corning Sees AI-Driven Demand Boost Revenue to $40B by 2030

Corning Inc. (GLW) highlighted robust demand from artificial intelligence and data center expansion in its outlook at Citi’s 2026 Global Technology, Media and Telecommunications Conference, held on September 9, 2026. The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Ed Schlesinger, emphasized growth in photonics, optical communications and solar, projecting revenue targets of $30 billion by 2028 and $40 billion by 2030, with a fully integrated supply chain enabling competitive advantages in fiber, cable and connectivity solutions. Solar sales surged 90% year-over-year in Q2 2026, supported by Section 232 tariffs, while photonics expansion—including a $10 billion business from zero—is expected to drive long-term growth, particularly as optical solutions replace copper in data centers. The company’s 50% increase in fiber production capacity and a 10x expansion in connectivity capacity underscored its capacity to meet rising demand. Verizon’s 30-year partnership, critical for carrier and data center markets, underscored stable revenue streams, with orders rising for AI-driven data center interconnects. Operating margins are projected to exceed 20%, with a baseline of 16% at the launch of Corning’s Springboard plan. The company’s market capitalization stands at $143 billion, and stock performance has seen a 131% gain over the past year, with a 91% year-to-date return as of September 2026. While consumer electronics demand remains muted due to supply chain pressures, Corning’s higher content value per device has mitigated declines in handheld markets. The outlook reflects confidence in long-term agreements, particularly in optical communications and enterprise data centers, with visibility extending two to three years ahead.