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NOK vs VIAV
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Nokia (NOK) vs. Viavi Solutions (VIAV) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- NOK is a diversified telecom-equipment leader whose momentum is increasingly tied to AI-driven optical and cloud-network demand.
- VIAV is a test-and-measurement specialist that has posted a sharp, AI-data-center-led reacceleration in revenue and margins.
- VIAV has delivered stronger recent relative performance, roughly tripling over the trailing year, while Nokia's gains have been solid but more measured.
- Nokia offers broader revenue diversification and a larger scale, whereas Viavi carries more concentrated exposure to data-center and aerospace/defense spending.
- Both names are sensitive to the pace of AI infrastructure investment, making this a comparison of breadth versus growth intensity.
Introduction
Nokia and Viavi Solutions operate in adjacent corners of the networking and communications value chain, yet they have arrived at the current market environment from very different angles. Nokia is a large-cap supplier of mobile, fixed, and optical network equipment, while Viavi is a mid-cap provider of test-and-measurement and optical technologies. This stock comparison is relevant for investors weighing a diversified, AI-adjacent equipment maker against a faster-growing but more concentrated testing play. By examining relative performance, market positioning, and near-term catalysts, traders and longer-horizon investors can better assess which risk profile aligns with their objectives in an AI-driven cycle.
NOK Overview and Recent Performance
Nokia is a Finnish telecommunications-equipment company spanning Network Infrastructure, Mobile Networks, Cloud and Network Services, and Nokia Technologies (its patent-licensing arm). In recent weeks the stock has been shaped by two forces: a broad technology-sector pullback tied to rising bond yields and AI-spending concerns, and company-specific progress on its AI and optical strategy. Nokia's AI and cloud business has been its fastest-growing engine, with net sales in that segment roughly doubling year over year in recent quarters and a growing order backlog. The company has also deepened ties with Nvidia through an equity investment and a joint push into AI-native radio access networks (AI-RAN), positioning Nokia to monetize both optical interconnect and software-defined networking. Execution risks, including Infinera integration and restructuring charges, have tempered headline profitability even as revenue trends improve, contributing to a more volatile but broadly constructive sentiment backdrop.
VIAV Overview and Recent Performance
Viavi Solutions is a provider of network test, monitoring, and assurance equipment alongside optical security and performance products. Its recent market activity has been notably strong, with the stock surging roughly 196% over the trailing year as investors rewarded its expanding exposure to AI data centers, hyperscale networking, and aerospace and defense demand. Fiscal 2026 revenue rose about 40% to approximately $1.52 billion, while non-GAAP earnings per share more than doubled, supported by meaningful margin expansion. The acquisition of Spirent's high-speed Ethernet, network security, and channel-emulation businesses has strengthened Viavi's testing portfolio and opened cross-selling opportunities. Management has guided for further sequential growth, though analysts note that concentration in data-center and defense customers, plus some mechanical benefits such as tariff refunds and an extra reporting week, warrant close attention to underlying demand quality.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The core trade-off between these two stocks is breadth versus intensity. Nokia offers diversified exposure across optical, IP, and mobile networks with a large installed base and a patent portfolio that supports margins; its AI opportunity is real but filtered through a massive, complex organization undergoing restructuring. Viavi offers a more direct and concentrated leverage to AI data-center buildouts and aerospace/defense, which has driven faster growth and stronger recent relative performance, but with higher sensitivity to a narrower set of end markets and large customers. On momentum, Viavi has clearly outperformed; on stability and diversification, Nokia holds an edge. Risk factors differ as well: Nokia faces integration and supply-chain capacity constraints, while Viavi faces customer-concentration and cyclical testing demand. Both carry meaningful sector exposure to the broader AI-infrastructure trade, meaning their paths may diverge on execution more than on the macro theme itself.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, momentum, growth catalysts, and relative positioning, a probabilistic AI-driven assessment would likely tilt toward Viavi in the current environment. Viavi's combination of accelerating revenue, expanding margins, and sustained upward price trend presents a cleaner trend profile than Nokia's, which remains burdened by integration costs and mixed headline profitability. However, that edge reflects a higher-growth, higher-concentration risk profile rather than an outright quality judgment. Nokia's diversification and larger scale could look more favorable if AI spending broadens into mobile and core networking. In balance, Viavi currently exhibits the more consistent short-to-intermediate-term momentum, while Nokia offers a more diversified but comparatively uneven setup.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is NOK is a Hold and VIAV is a Hold.
NOK in downward trend: 10-day moving average broke below 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026
The 10-day moving average for NOK crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 13 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 72%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 07, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on NOK as a result. In 50 of 85 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 59%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for NOK turned negative on October 08, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 47 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 29 of the 47 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 62%.
NOK moved below its 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NOK declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 61%.
The Aroon Indicator for NOK entered a downward trend on October 20, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 6 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +4.54% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NOK advanced for three days, in 190 of 298 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
NOK may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 4 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. NOK’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 68 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. NOK’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 78, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.398) is normal, around the industry mean (7.104). P/E Ratio (69.846) is within average values for comparable stocks, (5.170). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.848) is also within normal values, averaging (0.778). Dividend Yield (0.014) settles around the average of (0.131) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.430) is also within normal values, averaging (11.937).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 86 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
VIAV in downward trend: price dove below 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026
VIAV moved below its 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 24 of 32 similar past instances, the stock price decreased further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 13, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on VIAV as a result. In 55 of 82 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for VIAV turned negative on October 13, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 42 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 28 of the 42 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 67%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where VIAV declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 70%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where VIAV's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 18 of 29 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 3 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
The 10-day moving average for VIAV crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on September 30, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 8 of 12 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Following a +12.36% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where VIAV advanced for three days, in 234 of 317 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
VIAV may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 190 of 274 cases where VIAV Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 69%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 4 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (5.916) is normal, around the industry mean (7.128). VIAV's P/E Ratio (-267.154) is considerably lower than the industry average of (5.011). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.470) is also within normal values, averaging (0.778). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.136) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.208) is also within normal values, averaging (11.937).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 34 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. VIAV’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 52 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 78, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 91 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
NOK | VIAV | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 63 | 93 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 75 Overvalued | 4 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 68 | 52 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 86 | 91 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 57 | 50 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 4 | 100 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 34 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
VIAV's Valuation (4) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry is significantly better than the same rating for NOK (75) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry. This means that VIAV’s stock grew significantly faster than NOK’s over the last 12 months.
VIAV's Profit vs Risk Rating (52) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry is in the same range as NOK (68) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry. This means that VIAV’s stock grew similarly to NOK’s over the last 12 months.
NOK's SMR Rating (86) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry is in the same range as VIAV (91) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry. This means that NOK’s stock grew similarly to VIAV’s over the last 12 months.
VIAV's Price Growth Rating (50) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry is in the same range as NOK (57) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry. This means that VIAV’s stock grew similarly to NOK’s over the last 12 months.
NOK's P/E Growth Rating (4) in the Telecommunications Equipment industry is significantly better than the same rating for VIAV (100) in the Electronic Equipment Or Instruments industry. This means that NOK’s stock grew significantly faster than VIAV’s over the last 12 months.
| NOK | VIAV | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | 2 days ago 62% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 2 days ago 71% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 2 days ago 67% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 62% | 2 days ago 67% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 58% | 2 days ago 71% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 56% | 2 days ago 76% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 19 days ago 64% | 19 days ago 74% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 5 days ago 70% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 2 days ago 64% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 56% | 2 days ago 69% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
NOK’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while VIAV’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- NOK’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- VIAV’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
NOK’s TA Score shows that 3 TA indicator(s) are bullish while VIAV’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- NOK’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 6 bearish.
- VIAV’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
NOK (@Telecommunications Equipment) experienced а -8.52% price change this week, while VIAV (@Telecommunications Equipment) price change was -15.87% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Telecommunications Equipment industry was -7.12%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -9.69%, and the average quarterly price growth was -13.89%.
Reported Earning Dates
NOK is expected to report earnings on Oct 22, 2026.
VIAV is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Telecommunications Equipment (-7.12% weekly)The Telecommunications Equipment industry produces voice and data communications equipment, which includes fiber optic delivery products, digital signal processors, high-speed voice, data and video delivery. Additionally, satellite systems, global positioning systems, wireless data systems, personal communications equipment, telephone handsets and payload equipment for satellites also fall into this category. Apple Inc., QUALCOMM Incorporated and Nokia are major global players in this segment.
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VIAV and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, VIAV has been closely correlated with CIEN. These tickers have moved in lockstep 66% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if VIAV jumps, then CIEN could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To VIAV | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIAV | 100% | -0.71% | ||
| CIEN - VIAV | 66% Closely correlated | -0.65% | ||
| LITE - VIAV | 65% Loosely correlated | -1.44% | ||
| AAOI - VIAV | 55% Loosely correlated | -1.87% | ||
| HLIT - VIAV | 51% Loosely correlated | +2.31% | ||
| NOK - VIAV | 50% Loosely correlated | -0.66% | ||
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