10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2001

CORNING INC /NY Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2001

Filed October 26, 2001For Securities:GLW

Summary

Corning Incorporated (GLW) reported a significant net loss of $220 million ($0.24 per diluted share) for the third quarter of 2001, a stark contrast to the $254 million net income ($0.28 per diluted share) in the same period last year. This downturn is primarily driven by a challenging environment in the telecommunications sector, specifically within its photonic technologies business, which has experienced substantial order declines and inventory write-downs. The company announced substantial restructuring actions, including facility closures and workforce reductions, expected to incur significant charges in the coming quarters. Despite these headwinds, the company's long-term outlook for bandwidth and optical networks remains positive, with strategic investments continuing.

Key Highlights

  • 1Corning Inc. reported a net loss of $220 million for Q3 2001, compared to a net income of $254 million in Q3 2000.
  • 2Diluted loss per share for Q3 2001 was $0.24, versus diluted earnings per share of $0.28 in the prior year's quarter.
  • 3The Telecommunications segment, particularly photonic technologies, experienced significant sales declines and inventory write-downs due to reduced industry spending.
  • 4The company announced substantial restructuring actions, including facility closures and approximately 4,000 additional job eliminations in Q4, with total expected pre-tax charges of up to $1 billion for 2001.
  • 5A significant goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge of $4.76 billion was recognized in the second quarter of 2001.
  • 6Corning is discontinuing its dividend payments to reinvest cash for future growth.
  • 7Total assets decreased significantly from $17.5 billion at year-end 2000 to $12.7 billion at September 30, 2001, largely due to goodwill impairment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers for the net loss were substantial restructuring charges of $339 million related to facility closures and workforce reductions, primarily in the Telecommunications segment. This was compounded by ongoing challenges in the telecommunications industry, specifically within the photonic technologies business, which saw reduced order forecasts and inventory write-downs. The large goodwill impairment charge from Q2 also continued to impact overall financial results.

Corning expects continued weakness in the telecommunications sector, with a forecast for Q4 sales to be down approximately 50% year-over-year. They anticipate a pro forma loss per share in the range of $0.20 to $0.25 for Q4. Significant restructuring charges are also expected in Q4. However, Corning maintains a long-term belief in the demand for bandwidth and optical networks and plans to continue investing in new product development and targeted expansion.

In the third quarter, Corning recorded $339 million in restructuring charges, including employee separation costs and impairment of property, plant, and equipment. Additional restructuring actions are planned for the fourth quarter, expected to result in pre-tax charges between $550 million and $650 million. The company anticipates total pre-tax restructuring charges of up to $1 billion for the full year 2001. These actions are expected to yield annual savings of approximately $400 million, starting in 2002.

Total assets saw a significant decrease from $17.5 billion at the end of 2000 to $12.7 billion at September 30, 2001. This reduction is largely attributed to the $4.76 billion impairment of goodwill and intangible assets recognized in the second quarter. Shareholders' equity also decreased substantially due to net losses incurred during the period.