TODAYMEMORY +5.3%SEMI EQUIPMENT +5.3%DC / NEOCLOUDS +5.3%OPTICAL +5.2%SEMI MATERIALS +4.9%PACKAGING +4.5%AI SOFTWARE -2.5%POWER GEN -3.5%
Sector

Optical & Photonics

Lasers and transceivers moving data between racks at light speed.

As of close, Sep 18, 2026
Today▲ 5.2%
1 Month▼ 7.3%
1 Year▲ 225%
Tracked4 names

The companies in this sector

Sorted by one-month move. “Vs target” compares the current price with the mean analyst price target — a figure from analysts, not from us.

CompanyPrice · todayThe latest closing price, and how far it moved from the previous close in dollars and percent.1 MonthPrice change since the last close on or before the same date one month ago — a calendar month, not 21 trading days.1 YearPrice change since the last close on or before the same date one year ago.Vs targetHow far the price sits below the average of analysts’ published 12-month price targets. Negative means the price has already risen past that average.Analysts’ figures, not ours. Not a forecast we make or endorse.
LITELumentum$930.91+$37.30 (+4.17%)▲ 6.6%▲ 443%▲ 24%$820 … $1400
COHRCoherent$317.36+$21.38 (+7.22%)▲ 3.6%▲ 194%▲ 31%$280 … $500
FNFabrinet$388.55+$7.63 (+2.00%)▼ 19.5%▲ 3%▲ 89%$598 … $850
AAOIApplied Optoelectronics$105.17+$7.11 (+7.25%)▼ 20.0%▲ 262%▲ 55%$109 … $220

As of close, Sep 18, 2026 · prices from Yahoo Finance

Data: daily close · Reporting, not recommendations · Not financial advice.

What this sector actually does

Once data leaves a rack, it usually travels as light. This sector makes the lasers, transceivers and optical components that carry it — and the contract manufacturers that assemble them.

Each jump in data rate forces a redesign of the optical layer, which creates recurring upgrade cycles. It also creates risk: a supplier can lead one generation and lose the next if a different approach wins.

What moves it: transceiver speed transitions, co-packaged optics adoption, and qualification at large buyers.

Common questions

What is an optical transceiver?

A module that converts electrical signals to light for transmission and back again at the far end. Data centers use them in very large quantities.

What is co-packaged optics?

An approach that moves the optical components onto the same package as the switch chip, cutting the distance electrical signals travel. It promises better power efficiency and is a live area of competition.

Why is this sector volatile?

Revenue concentrates in a few large customers and shifts sharply at each speed transition. Winning or losing one qualification can swing a supplier's outlook substantially.

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