Corning core sales jump 19% as AI optical demand surges

Corning grew third-quarter core sales 19% to $5.08 billion, its fastest growth since launching its Springboard plan, as AI-related optical demand surged and the company forecast core EPS growth of about 36% in the fourth quarter.

Core EPS rose 36% to $0.91, according to the earnings release attached to its 8-K on Tuesday. On a GAAP basis, sales were $4.86 billion and EPS was $0.78. Corning said results exceeded its guidance.

"We delivered an outstanding third quarter," Chairman, CEO and President Wendell P. Weeks said, noting that core gross margin expanded 150 basis points to 40.5% and core operating margin rose 310 basis points to 22.7%.

Optical leads

Optical Communications sales rose 44% to $2.38 billion. Within that, Enterprise Networks sales grew 84%, with sales of generative AI products more than doubling. Corning said it signed four long-term, multibillion-dollar customer agreements in the quarter, including with Verizon and AT&T.

Solar sales grew 37% as production ramped, though more slowly than expected. The company said U.S. trade action under Section 232 improves pricing and demand for U.S.-made solar products, and that it is making progress toward a solar revenue stream of more than $3 billion.

Adjusted free cash flow was $661 million, and Corning invested more than half a billion dollars in capital expenditures.

Outlook

For the fourth quarter, Corning expects core sales of $5.2 billion to $5.3 billion, up about 19%, and core EPS of $0.96 to $1.00.

By the numbers

• Q3 core sales: $5.08 billion, up 19%
• Core EPS: $0.91, up 36%
• Optical Communications sales: $2.38 billion, up 44%
• Core operating margin: 22.7%
• Q4 core EPS outlook: $0.96 to $1.00

Sources

1. CORNING INC /NY, Form 8-K with third quarter 2026 earnings release, filed Oct. 27, 2026 (accession 0000024741-26-000273)

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