Corning Incorporated Q3 2026 Earnings Recap

Corning’s shares fell 1.1% after earnings, a roughly flat reaction. Q3 growth and Q4 guidance were strong in absolute terms, but the transcript does not identify a specific disappointment behind the move.

Key Takeaways

• Q3 sales rose 19% year over year to $5.1 billion, and core EPS increased 36% to 91¢; both were above guidance.
• Gross margin expanded 150 basis points to 40.5%, while operating margin rose 310 basis points to 22.7%.
• Free cash flow was $661 million after more than $500 million of capacity investment.
• For Q4, Corning guided to sales of $5.2 billion–$5.3 billion and EPS of 96¢–$1, representing about 19% and 36% year-over-year growth, respectively.
• Management said the Q3 sales run rate was $20.3 billion and forecast a $21 billion run rate at Q4’s guidance midpoint, above its $20 billion year-end 2026 SpringBoard target.