Corning posts Q3 2026 earnings beat, strong optical communications growth and raises Q4 outlook

Corning reported third‑quarter 2026 core sales of $5.08 billion, up 19% year‑over‑year, and core earnings per share of $0.91, up 36% YoY, beating consensus estimates. Optical Communications revenue surged 44% to $2.38 billion, driven by AI data‑center demand, while the Glass segment declined. The company guided Q4 core sales of $5.2‑$5.3 billion and core EPS of $0.96‑$1.00, above analyst expectations, but warned of a $2 billion capital‑expenditure program that pressured the share price.

The earnings beat and raised guidance suggest stronger near‑term earnings momentum, but the pre‑market share decline reflects investor concern over the $2 billion capex plan. The higher outlook may lift future earnings forecasts for GLW.

  • 1Core sales were $5.08 billion, a 19% YoY increase.
  • 2Core EPS was $0.91, a 36% YoY increase.
  • 3Optical Communications revenue was $2.38 billion, up 44% YoY.
  • 4Capital expenditures in the quarter totaled $545 million, with full‑year capex targeted at approximately $2 billion.
  • 5Q4 2026 core sales are projected at $5.2‑$5.3 billion, about 19% YoY growth.
  • 6Q4 2026 core EPS is projected at $0.96‑$1.00, roughly 36% YoY growth.

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