Caterpillar vs. Corning: Which Industrials Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

The article compares two industrial stocks: Caterpillar, a construction and mining equipment titan with record backlog and growing dividends, versus Corning, a materials science leader benefiting from AI data center demand. While Caterpillar offers proven industrial exposure with reliable income, Corning's optical communications business is growing over 30% year-over-year with ambitious revenue targets of $20B by end-2026, $30B by 2028, and $40B by 2030. The author recommends Corning for patient investors seeking exposure to AI infrastructure growth.