‘Insatiable’ Demand Is Powering This ‘Picks and Shovels’ AI Stock up 245%. Should You Buy It Here?

Core Insights - Lumentum has experienced a significant stock price increase, with shares climbing 254% over the past 52 weeks and a remarkable 307% surge in the last six months, indicating a potential shift in the company's long-term trajectory [1][2][4] - The company is positioned as a key player in the AI infrastructure boom, with its stock recently hitting $300 before a slight pullback, driven by strong earnings and optimistic analyst targets [2][4][5] Company Overview - Lumentum, founded in 2015 and valued at $20.1 billion, specializes in optical technology, producing laser chips, photonic components, and high-speed transceivers for AI data centers and cloud networks [3][5] - The company operates in two segments: Cloud & Networking, which supplies advanced optics to hyperscalers, and Industrial Tech, which provides precision lasers for various manufacturing sectors [3] Financial Performance - In Q1 fiscal 2026, Lumentum reported revenue of $533 million, a 58% year-over-year increase, marking the highest quarterly revenue in its history [10][11] - The adjusted EPS surged to $1.10, up from $0.18 in the same quarter last year, exceeding Wall Street expectations [10] - Over 60% of Q1 revenue is now linked to cloud and AI infrastructure, highlighting a strategic shift from its telecom roots [11] Growth Projections - Management has revised Q2 revenue projections to between $630 million and $670 million, significantly ahead of previous expectations [14][15] - Analysts anticipate a Q2 EPS growth of 735.7% year-over-year, with fiscal 2026 EPS expected to reach $3.61, an increase of 836.7% annually [17] Analyst Sentiment - Needham has upgraded Lumentum to a "Top Pick for 2025," raising its price target to $290, reflecting confidence in the company's growth driven by laser demand [4][18] - Mizuho also increased its price target to $325, citing optimism around Google's TPU ramp-up as a catalyst for Lumentum's optical compute switch business [21][22] - The consensus rating for Lumentum is a "Moderate Buy," with 12 out of 20 analysts recommending a "Strong Buy" [23]