Corning earnings rose in the third quarter of 2026 as demand for optical communications products helped lift core sales to $5.08 billion. The materials science company reported core earnings of $0.91 per share on October 27, exceeding analyst expectations.

Key Takeaways

  • Optical Communications sales rose 44% year over year to $2.38 billion.
  • Core earnings per share grew 36%, faster than the 19% increase in core sales.
  • Management expects fourth-quarter core earnings of approximately $0.91 per share.

Corning earnings grow faster than sales

Third-quarter core sales increased 19% from a year earlier, while core earnings per share rose 36%. On a GAAP basis, net sales were $4.86 billion, up 18%, and earnings per share were $0.78, up 56%.

The company’s core gross margin improved by 150 basis points to 40.5%. GAAP net income increased to $680 million from $430 million in the third quarter of 2025. Core measures are separate from the results reported under GAAP.

Optical communications leads growth

Optical Communications sales increased 44% to $2.38 billion, supported by demand for high-density fiber interconnects associated with AI and data center construction.

Solar sales grew 37% as productivity improvements coincided with demand for U.S.-produced solar products. Sales growth in Glass Innovations and Automotive was stagnant or slightly negative year over year.

Fourth-quarter outlook

For the fourth quarter, management anticipates core sales growth of approximately 19% year over year and core earnings per share of around $0.91, an expected increase of about 36%. Those figures are forecasts, not completed results.

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