Summary
Corning Inc. (GLW) reported a net loss of $589 million, or $(0.72) per share, for the first quarter of 2018, a significant decline from a net income of $86 million, or $0.07 per share, in the same period of 2017. This downturn was primarily driven by a substantial increase in translated earnings contract losses, totaling $622 million, and a $103 million charge related to legal matters. Additionally, a preliminary agreement with the IRS to settle a tax audit contributed $172 million to the tax expense. Despite the overall net loss, net sales saw a modest increase of 5% to $2.5 billion, driven by growth in the Optical Communications, Environmental Technologies, and Life Sciences segments. However, gross margin as a percentage of net sales declined from 40% to 38%, impacted by price declines in LCD glass and inefficiencies in manufacturing. The company also saw a significant increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses, largely due to litigation charges.
Financial Highlights
49 data points| Revenue | $2.50B |
| Cost of Revenue | $1.54B |
| Gross Profit | $955.00M |
| SG&A Expenses | $501.00M |
| Operating Income | $194.00M |
| Net Income | -$589.00M |
| EPS (Basic) | $-0.72 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $-0.72 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 848.00M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 848.00M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net loss of $589 million for Q1 2018, a significant shift from a net income of $86 million in Q1 2017.
- 2Net sales increased by 5% to $2.5 billion, driven by Optical Communications, Environmental Technologies, and Life Sciences segments.
- 3Translated earnings contract losses more than doubled to $622 million, significantly impacting profitability.
- 4Selling, general, and administrative expenses surged by 57% to $501 million, largely due to a $132 million charge related to legal matters.
- 5Gross margin percentage decreased from 40% to 38% due to LCD glass price declines and manufacturing inefficiencies.
- 6Corning continued its capital allocation strategy with $814.3 million in share repurchases and declared a 16% increase in its quarterly common stock dividend.
- 7The company provided a positive outlook for 2018, anticipating segment net sales to grow to approximately $11 billion.