Post by : Badri Ariffin

Corning, the maker of Gorilla Glass and a key Apple supplier, reported mixed third-quarter results Tuesday, sending its shares down over 7% in premarket trading. While the company expects strong fourth-quarter sales, its largest business unit—optical communications—fell short of market expectations.

The optical communications division, responsible for nearly 40% of Corning’s revenue, posted $1.65 billion in net sales, below analysts’ projection of $1.73 billion. The shortfall reflects slower network investment in China and a new 37.9% anti-dumping tariff imposed on U.S. optical fiber imports, intensifying trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Despite the challenges in its fiber business, Corning’s core sales for the quarter rose 14% to $4.27 billion, surpassing estimates of $4.23 billion. The company attributes part of this growth to its deepening partnership with Apple. As of September, all cover glass for iPhones and Apple Watches is now produced in Kentucky using Corning’s proprietary glass technology, reinforcing its strong position in the consumer electronics segment.

Looking ahead, Corning expects fourth-quarter core sales of around $4.35 billion, above the consensus estimate of $4.26 billion. Quarterly core earnings per share are projected between 68 and 72 cents, compared with analyst expectations of 67 cents.

The stock has still gained roughly 88% so far this year, highlighting investor confidence in Corning’s innovation-driven segments, even as global trade pressures and regional tariffs create headwinds for its optical fiber operations.

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