Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) is included among the 20 Best Performing Dividend Stocks in 2025. Morgan Stanley Keeps Neutral Stance on Corning (GLW) Despite Optical Upside Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash On December 16, Morgan Stanley analyst Meta Marshall raised the firm’s price target on Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) to $98 from $82 and kept an Equal Weight rating. Marshall said the AI trade broadened beyond semiconductor names in 2025, lifting infrastructure companies, especially those tied to op ...

Core Viewpoint - Corning's business is thriving, particularly in the specialty glass sector, with a notable 84% increase in stock value over the past year, driven by demand in data centers and mobile consumer electronics [2][15][16] Company Performance - Corning is recognized for its specialty glass products, including fiber optic cables essential for data centers, contributing to its booming business [2][4] - The company has experienced significant growth, particularly in its data center segment, which is currently its fastest-growing business [4][11] - Corning's stock has risen by 84% in the last 12 months, reflecting strong market performance [2] Data Center Innovations - The data center segment is expected to grow further as the industry shifts from copper to optical fiber, which is more efficient for connecting AI clusters [4][6] - A notable example is Meta's Louisiana campus, which requires 8 million miles of fiber, enough to circle the Earth 320 times, highlighting the scale of fiber demand [7][8] - The transition to glass in data centers could lead to lower energy consumption and costs, although significant innovation is still needed [10][12] New Business Ventures - Corning is expanding into solar energy with plans to establish a large American-made ingot wafer plant in Michigan, which could triple its current solar business run rate [14] - The solar sector is becoming increasingly competitive, with government policies influencing energy costs [15] Resilience Against Tariffs - Corning's business has shown resilience against tariffs, with 90% of its US revenue generated from domestically produced products, minimizing the impact of international trade policies [16]

Group 1 - Corning's stock has increased by 12% over seven consecutive days, adding approximately $7.6 billion to its market cap, which now stands at around $64 billion [2] - Year-to-date, Corning's stock has risen over 60%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 11% gain [2] - The surge in Corning's stock is largely attributed to the AI boom, with a recent UBS upgrade highlighting the company's potential growth driven by demand for fiber optic cables used in AI infrastructure and data centers [3] Group 2 - Corning's Enterprise business within its Optical Communications division reported an 81% year-over-year increase in sales, primarily due to products utilized in generative AI [3] - The current stock performance raises questions about whether it is still a good time to buy or if investors should consider selling [4] - Monitoring stock momentum can help investors capitalize on trends, although sharp advances can reverse quickly [5]

Company Overview - Preformed Line Products Company (NASDAQ:PLPC) develops and supplies infrastructure hardware and systems for energy, telecommunications, and data networks, including fiber optic cables, connectors, insulators, protective closures, and motion control devices [2] - The company also provides drone inspection services, solar framing, and EV-related products, serving utilities, communication providers, contractors, and government agencies [2] Market Position - The stock is perceived as undervalued despite strong performance, trading at a discount compared to peers in the industrial sector [1] - The company is involved in the construction of data centers, which has led to multiple stocks in this sector trading at a discount [1] Investment Considerations - While PLPC shows potential as an investment, certain AI stocks are suggested to offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk [3]

Core Viewpoint - Brookfield Infrastructure is presented as an ideal investment for those seeking a combination of high dividend yield and rapid growth, currently offering a 4.3% yield while maintaining a strong growth trajectory in dividend payments [3]. Company Overview - Brookfield Infrastructure operates a diverse portfolio of utility, energy, transport, and data-related assets, which are essential for daily operations across various sectors [5]. - Approximately 85% of the company's funds from operations (FFO) are derived from regulated utility businesses and long-term contracts, making it a reliable income source for investors [6]. Dividend Growth - The company has consistently raised its dividend by 8% annually over the past 12 years, with the latest payout ratio at 68% of FFO, indicating a sustainable growth in dividend payments [7][8]. - Adjusted for foreign exchange, the second-quarter FFO increased by 9% year-over-year, aligning with the company's long-term growth expectations [8]. Growth Opportunities - Brookfield Infrastructure benefits from its parent company, Brookfield Asset Management, which has raised $97 billion in capital over the past year, providing ample opportunities for asset acquisition [10]. - The company recently acquired 5,500 miles of pipelines with a capacity of 2.5 million barrels per day, expecting to recoup its investment within seven years [11]. - Brookfield Infrastructure has a capital recycling program, successfully selling developed assets, such as a stake in its U.K. ports operation for $385 million, yielding a 19% internal rate of return [12]. Management and Strategy - With access to around 2,500 investment professionals from Brookfield Asset Management, the company is well-positioned to navigate the alternative-asset landscape and achieve growth within the expected range of 5% to 9% [13].