Optics stocks surge as indium phosphide prices spike, boosting AXT and related firms.

Optics stocks, led by AXT, Coherent, and Lumentum, rose sharply due to a report of severe undersupply and record price hikes in indium phosphide (InP) substrates and wafers. AXT, a major InP producer, saw its stock jump 13.71%, reflecting strong revenue growth driven by rising InP prices and demand outpacing supply. Coherent and Lumentum, key buyers and producers of InP lasers, also benefited, with both companies expanding capacity and reporting strong revenue forecasts. This price surge is linked to growing demand in AI data centers, making optics and photonics a key investment theme. Institutional investors have increased positions in these stocks ahead of the price surge, signaling confidence in the sector's growth.