Carillon Tower Advisers, an investment management firm, published its second-quarter 2026 investor letter for the “Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund”. The quarter was characterized by a significant rally in AI-oriented stocks, predominantly benefiting highly cyclical semiconductor, memory, and optical sectors. While the S&P 500 rose 15.2%, the semiconductor index climbed 87.8%, reflecting a concentrated surge. Differing from prior AI rallies driven by megacapitalization companies and robust earnings, smaller tech equities appreciated by 200% to 300%, rendering the overall advance more volatile. Software and services sectors fell as market participants debated the ramifications of AI displacement. Additionally, oil prices spiked amid the Iran conflict before pulling back, temporarily sparking inflation and interest-rate anxieties. Nevertheless, fundamental economic indicators and corporate earnings remained resilient. S&P 500 earnings are forecasted to grow 25% in 2026 and 15% in 2027, with valuations sitting near 20 times earnings. The Fund maintains its strategy of targeting financially robust enterprises capable of delivering sustained earnings growth across varying economic environments.
Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) was specifically highlighted by the Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund in its second-quarter 2026 investor letter. Corning operates across optical communications, display technologies, specialty materials, automotive, and life sciences sectors. As of July 24, 2026, Corning shares closed at $146.65. Despite a negative one-month return of -43.06%, the stock has experienced substantial growth of 162.77% over the last 52 weeks, with a market capitalization standing at $126.21 billion and a 52-week trading range from $54.89 to $271.78.
The Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund stated the following regarding Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
“Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) continued its strong performance as the need for advanced fiber and optical connections in AI chip technology has increased with each new generation. We believe Corning should see market growth across several key products for the next three to five years.”
