10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2007

CORNING INC /NY Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2007

Filed October 26, 2007For Securities:GLW

Summary

Corning Inc. (GLW) reported strong third-quarter 2007 results, with net sales increasing by 21% year-over-year to $1.55 billion and net income growing by 41% to $617 million. This performance was driven by robust volume growth in the Display Technologies and Environmental Technologies segments, coupled with improved manufacturing efficiencies and cost control measures. For the nine-month period, net sales rose 12% to $4.28 billion, and net income increased 19% to $1.43 billion. The company highlighted its strong financial health, with a declining debt-to-capital ratio and a significant cash balance of $3.3 billion. Corning also continued to invest in future growth through research and development and capital expenditures, particularly in its Display Technologies and Environmental Technologies segments. The company provided an optimistic outlook for the fourth quarter, expecting continued growth in glass volumes, though acknowledging potential economic headwinds.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for Q3 2007 increased 21% to $1.55 billion, and for the nine months increased 12% to $4.28 billion.
  • 2Net income for Q3 2007 rose 41% to $617 million ($0.38 diluted EPS), and for the nine months increased 19% to $1.43 billion ($0.89 diluted EPS).
  • 3The Display Technologies segment saw a 39% increase in net sales for Q3, driven by significant volume gains in large-size glass substrates.
  • 4Strong performance in Environmental Technologies with a 29% increase in Q3 net sales, attributed to growth in diesel and automotive product lines.
  • 5Corning maintained a strong balance sheet, ending the quarter with $3.3 billion in cash and short-term investments and a reduced debt-to-capital ratio of 14%.
  • 6The company repurchased $125 million of its common stock in Q3 as part of a new $500 million repurchase program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by increased sales volumes in the Display Technologies segment (up 39% year-over-year), fueled by demand for large-size glass substrates for LCD televisions and monitors, and the Environmental Technologies segment (up 29% year-over-year) due to strong sales in diesel and automotive product lines. Improved manufacturing efficiencies and cost control also contributed to profitability.

In Q3 2007, Corning recorded a credit of $16 million related to the asbestos settlement, compared to an expense of $13 million in Q3 2006. This fluctuation is primarily due to changes in the market value of Corning's common stock which is part of the proposed settlement contribution. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, net charges were $170 million, reflecting adjustments to the settlement value and stock price changes.

Corning anticipates a continuation of industry growth and the trend towards larger substrates in its Display Technologies segment. For Q4 2007, they expect glass volumes to increase by 2-5% compared to Q3 2007, with price declines expected to be in line with previous quarters. However, the company remains cautious about potential economic impacts on consumer demand and acknowledges the possibility of capacity exceeding demand at times.

Key risks include global economic and political conditions, currency fluctuations, product demand and industry capacity, competitive pricing, customer demand fluctuations (especially from major customers), new product development, potential disruptions from geopolitical events, and ongoing litigation, particularly the unresolved asbestos settlement. The concentration of customers in certain segments also presents a risk.