Stock Markets March 9, 2026

BofA Sees Optical Networking Names Positioned to Gain from Robust Data Center Demand

Bank of America highlights suppliers and component makers that could benefit from constrained supply and next-generation optics upgrades

By Leila Farooq MRVL LITE COHR NVDA AVGO
BofA Sees Optical Networking Names Positioned to Gain from Robust Data Center Demand
MRVL LITE COHR NVDA AVGO

Bank of America on Monday flagged several optical networking companies as likely beneficiaries of sustained demand from data centers combined with tight supply dynamics. The bank identified firms with technical strengths in key components and materials as positioned to capture share amid an industry shift from 800G to 1.6T technology and extended capacity lead times.

Key Points

  • Bank of America identifies multi-year tailwinds for optical networking companies due to unprecedented demand and tight supply conditions.
  • Marvell (MRVL) is highlighted for its digital signal processor market share amid the industry shift from 800G to 1.6T and faster design cycles that enable differentiation.
  • Lumentum (LITE) and Coherent (COHR) are cited for their component leadership - lasers and indium phosphide supply respectively - with long capacity expansion lead times contributing to supply constraints; Nvidia (NVDA), Broadcom (AVGO), and Macom (MTSI) are also expected to benefit across the value chain.

Bank of America said on Monday that a group of optical networking stocks stands to gain from what it describes as multi-year tailwinds driven by unusually strong demand and constrained supply in the optical components market.

The research note singled out specific companies where the bank sees structural advantages. Marvell Technology (NASDAQ:MRVL) was highlighted for its prominent position in the digital signal processor market. Bank of America noted Marvell's market share in DSPs positions it well as the industry migrates from 800G to 1.6T technology. The note also pointed to shortening design cycles and growing opportunities for product differentiation as additional supporting factors for Marvell.

Lumentum Holdings (NASDAQ:LITE) was identified as an important components supplier, with the bank underscoring the company's leadership in electroabsorption modulated lasers and continuous wave lasers. Bank of America emphasized Lumentum's relevance for co-packaged optics deployments and said that lengthy capacity expansion lead times in the sector are contributing to supply constraints that could support vendors with available production.

Coherent (NYSE:COHR) was noted for an advantage in indium phosphide supply, a factor the bank believes helps Coherent expand its share in transceivers and co-packaged optics. That material advantage was framed as a competitive edge within certain parts of the optical value chain.

Beyond these names, Bank of America said other technology suppliers across the optical networking ecosystem are positioned to benefit from the broader dynamics. Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO), and Macom Technology Solutions (NASDAQ:MTSI) were listed among companies that should see positive effects from rising demand across the optical networking value chain.

The bank characterized the current environment as one where extraordinary demand meets supply-side tightness, creating multi-year tailwinds for firms that supply critical components, materials, and enabling technologies to data center operators and optical equipment manufacturers. That combination of factors is the basis for the firm's favorable outlook on the stocks it named.


Sectors affected: optical networking components, semiconductor suppliers for communications, data center hardware and interconnects.

Risks

  • Persistent tight supply conditions in optical components could create unpredictability for customers and vendors across the data center and networking sectors.
  • Long lead times for capacity expansion may continue to constrain supply, potentially limiting how quickly demand can be met across affected markets.

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