Summary
Corning Inc. reported solid financial performance for the second quarter and first half of 2007. Net sales increased by 12% in Q2 and 8% for the first half compared to the prior year, driven primarily by strong volume growth in the Display Technologies and Environmental Technologies segments. Despite a $76 million asbestos settlement charge in Q2 2007 (compared to a credit in Q2 2006), the company's profitability remained robust. Net income for the second quarter was $489 million ($0.30 diluted EPS), a slight decrease from $514 million ($0.32 diluted EPS) in the prior year, but for the first six months, net income increased by 6% to $816 million ($0.51 diluted EPS) from $771 million ($0.50 diluted EPS). The company's balance sheet remains strong, with a declining debt-to-capital ratio to 15% and significant operating cash flow of $668 million for the first half. Corning's strategic focus on financial health, profitability improvement, and future investment continues. Capital expenditures are heavily directed towards expanding manufacturing capacity, particularly for LCD glass substrates and diesel products. The company also announced a $500 million stock repurchase program and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share.
Key Highlights
- 1Net sales increased 12% year-over-year in Q2 2007 to $1.418 billion, driven by volume growth in Display Technologies and Environmental Technologies.
- 2Net income for Q2 2007 was $489 million ($0.30 diluted EPS), down slightly from $514 million ($0.32 diluted EPS) in Q2 2006, primarily due to a $76 million asbestos settlement charge.
- 3For the first six months of 2007, net income increased 6% to $816 million ($0.51 diluted EPS) compared to $771 million ($0.50 diluted EPS) in the prior year.
- 4Operating cash flow was strong at $668 million for the first six months of 2007.
- 5The company's debt-to-capital ratio improved to 15% as of June 30, 2007, down from 19% at December 31, 2006.
- 6Corning announced a $500 million share repurchase program and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share.
- 7Significant capital expenditures are planned, with $1.1 billion to $1.2 billion expected for 2007, largely for Display Technologies and Environmental Technologies capacity expansion.