Why Is Corning (GLW) Down 7.4% Since Last Earnings Report?

Core Viewpoint - Corning Incorporated reported strong Q3 2025 earnings, surpassing estimates with revenue growth driven by demand in various sectors, particularly in optical communication and Gen-AI applications [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - The company achieved a net income of $430 million or 50 cents per share, a significant improvement from a loss of $117 million or 14 cents in the same quarter last year [3]. - Core earnings for the quarter were $585 million or 67 cents per share, up from $465 million or 54 cents year-over-year, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny [3][12]. - Net sales reached $4.1 billion, a 21.1% increase from $3.39 billion in the previous year, with core sales up 14% to $4.27 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate of $4.21 billion [4][12]. Segment Performance - Optical Communications segment revenues were $1.65 billion, up 33% year-over-year, driven by strong demand for Gen-AI products, with net income improving to $295 million, a 69% increase [5]. - Display Technologies reported revenues of $939 million, down 7% year-over-year, with net income declining 12% to $250 million [6]. - Specialty Materials generated $621 million in revenues, up 13% year-over-year, with net income rising to $113 million from $72 million [6]. - The Automotive segment contributed $454 million in net sales, a 6% increase year-over-year, with net income up 33% to $68 million [7]. - Life Sciences segment revenues were $242 million, slightly down from $244 million year-over-year, with net income increasing 7% to $16 million [7]. - Hemlock and Emerging Growth Businesses reported a 46% increase in net sales to $364 million, but incurred a net loss of $1 million compared to a net income of $12 million in the previous year [8]. Profitability and Cash Flow - Quarterly gross profit rose to $1.52 billion from $1.13 billion, with gross margins improving to 37.1% from 33.5% [9]. - Operating income increased to $589 million from $302 million in the prior-year quarter [9]. - Corning generated $784 million in net cash from operations, up from $699 million in the same quarter last year, and had $1.64 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2025 [11]. Future Outlook - For Q4 2025, core sales are projected at $4.35 billion, with core EPS expected to be in the range of 68-72 cents [12]. - Estimates for the stock have trended upward, with a consensus estimate shift of 6.51% [13]. - Corning holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [15].