netrashetty
Netra Shetty
Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) is an American manufacturer of glass, ceramics and related materials, primarily for industrial and scientific applications. The company was known as Corning Glass Works until 1989, when it changed its name to Corning Incorporated. While probably best known for its line of Corelle tableware and Pyrex cookware (businesses which it sold but in which it still holds an ~8% interest), Corning has transformed itself over the years into a high technology company, allocating a significant amount of resources towards research and development. As of 2008, Corning has five major business sectors: Display Technologies, Environmental Technologies, Life Sciences, Telecommunications and Specialty Materials. Corning is also involved in several joint equity ventures. These include Dow Corning, as well as two companies, Quest Diagnostics and Covance, that were spun off from Corning.
Corning has four primary business segments. The first, Display Technologies manufactures the glass substrate that is used in the production of liquid crystal displays. This division has been the primary driver of the company's recovery and earnings growth after near bankruptcy in the wake of the dot com implosion. Corning's second division, Telecommunications produces optical wiring and other hardware for telecom companies. The third division, Environmental Technologies produces ceramics for emissions, primarily for automobiles. Finally, Corning's Life Sciences division produces laboratory products such as cell culture dishes and Pyrex pipettes. Corning is also partnered in several joint ventures. The most profitable of its joint ventures is Samsung-Corning Precision (50% owned) which also manufactures glass substrates used in LCDs. The company also runs a joint venture with Dow Chemical named Dow Corning (50% owned) which produces silicone and other semiconductor products. Finally, Samsung-Corning (50% owned) produces cathode-ray-tubes for conventional televisions.
Business and Financial Metrics
First Quarter 2010 Results[1]
Corning reported sales were $1.55 billion, an increase of 1% sequentially and 57% year over year. Earnings per share were $0.52. Excluding special items, EPS was also $0.52, a gain of 18% over the fourth-quarter results and 420% year over year.
Display Technologies' wholly owned business volume was up 12% sequentially and 127% year over year. Samsung Corning Precision Glass Co., Ltd., volume was consistent with the previous quarter and up 64% year over year.
Gross margin improved significantly to 47% from 42% in the previous quarter, and over last year’s first quarter of 27%. Equity earnings were $469 million. This represents a slight increase over the previous quarter’s $461 million. Year-over-year equity earnings improved by 141%.
Business Segments
Display Technologies (45% of 2009 sales)[2]
Corning's Display Technologies division makes the glass substrates that are the main component in liquid crystal displays (LCDs.) These liquid crystal displays are used primarily in notebook computers, flat panel desktop monitors, and LCD televisions. The Display Technologies division is Corning's crown jewel. Over the past decade flat screen displays and LCDs have become increasingly affordable and have entered into the mainstream. Corning has been a driving force behind this increased affordability. In the past few years, Corning has continued to improve upon its own patented fusion manufacturing process which has allowed it to scale up its production of these glass substrates. In the past few years, Corning has continued to refine its substrate production process. Corning's increased scales have in turn allowed customers to make larger, lighter, thinner and higher-resolution displays more affordably. Corning's also operates a joint venture with Samsung, Samsung Corning, which manufactures glass substrates in facilities in Kentucky, Taiwan and Japan using Corning's licensed technology. The combination of equity earnings from this venture with earnings from Corning's Display Technologies division accounts for the lion share of Corning's earnings.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, Display Technologies segment represented 45% of Corning’s sales.
Telecommunications (31% of 2009 sales)[2]
Corning's Telecommunications division produces optical fibers and cables and other equipment for the world's telecommunications industry. Telecommunications' fiber optic wires are the backbone of many local area networks, (i.e. home, campus networks) and long-haul and submarine networks (public providers such as large telecoms.)The company's telecommunications division can be divided into three segments: access, metropolitan and long-haul. In 2000, telecommunications crested at over 75% of the company's total revenues. At the height of the net frenzy, revenue was heavily concentrated in the long-haul networks which involves building out networks over long distances. At the height of the dot com/tech boom, Corning invested heavily in this division. When the bubble burst and technology spending dried up, Telecommunications almost drove the company into bankruptcy. The division now seems primed for a healthy rebound as increasing demand for broadband networks have increased demand for the access segment of Telecommunications.
Corning’s hardware and equipment products include cable assemblies, fiber optic hardware, fiber optic connectors, optical components and couplers, closures and pedestals, splice and test equipment and other accessories for optical connectivity. For copper connectivity, Corning’s products include subscriber demarcation, connection and protection devices, xDSL (different variations of digital subscriber lines) passive solutions and outside plant enclosures. Each of the product lines may be combined in Corning’s fiber-to-the-premises solutions. Corning has manufacturing operations for hardware and equipment products in North Carolina, Arizona, and Texas, as well as Europe, Mexico, and China. In addition, Corning offers products for the cable television industry, including coaxial connectors and associated tools. During 2009, telecommunications segment represented 31% of Corning’s sales.
Environmental Technologies (11% of 2009 sales)[2]
Corning's Environmental Technologies division focuses on innovative solutions to reduce pollution and carbon emissions primarily in automobiles. The division centers on catalytic converters which reduce the toxicity of emissions in internal combustion engines. Catalytic converters perform this function by providing an environment in which toxic by-products will undergo reactions that result in more environmentally friendly products. Corning does not actually produce the physical converter, but rather produces the substrates that go into the converters and catalyze required reactions. Corning is a market leader in this segment producing substrates for most major passenger car companies.
Corning’s environmental products include ceramic technologies for emissions and pollution control in mobile and stationary applications worldwide, including automotive and diesel substrate and filter products. In addition, Corning develops ceramic substrate and filter technologies for diesel emission control products. Corning manufactures substrate and filter products in New York, Virginia, China, Germany and South Africa. Corning sells its ceramic substrate and filter products worldwide to manufacturers of emission control systems, who then sell to automotive and diesel engine manufacturers. During 2009, environmental technologies segment represented 11% of Corning’s sales.
Life Sciences (7% of 2009 sales)[2]
Life Sciences produces laboratory glass products under the Pyrex brand, as well as other laboratory research products. Life Sciences is most notable for the development of Corning's new Epic drug detection system. Epic will facilitate pharmaceuticals' screening process for effective drugs and has strong growth prospects.
Corning’s Life Sciences segment collaborates with researchers seeking new approaches in the drug discovery process. Using expertise in the fields of optics, materials science, surfaces, and biology, the segment provides innovative solutions that improve productivity and enable breakthrough discoveries. Life Sciences laboratory products include general labware and equipment, as well as tools for cell culture and bioprocess, genomics and proteomics. Corning manufactures these products in Maine, New York, New Jersey, California, Utah, Mexico, France, Poland, and China. The products are marketed worldwide, primarily through distributors, to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, hospitals, government entities, and other research facilities. In addition, Corning develops and produces technologies, such as the Corning HYPERFlask Cell Culture Vessel for cell yields and surfaces, such as the Corning CellBIND Surface and the Corning Osteo-Assay surface.
In September 2009, Corning acquired Axygen BioScience, Inc., which is a manufacturer and distributor of plastic consumables, liquid handling products and bench-top laboratory equipment. In addition to its Corning, Costar and Pyrex brands, Corning sells life science products under the Axygen, Sorenson BioScience, Labnet, HTL, and ALP brands. During 2009, life sciences segment represented approximately 7% of Corning’s sales.
Specialty Materials (6% of 2009 sales)[2]
The specialty materials segment manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals. This segment operates in a variety of commercial and industrial markets that include display optics and components, semiconductor optics components, aerospace and defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and a protective cover glass that is optimized for portable display devices. Semiconductor optics manufactured by Corning includes optical material products, optical-based metrology instruments, and optical assemblies for applications in the semiconductor industry. Corning’s semiconductor optics products are manufactured in New York. Other specialty glass products include glass lens and window components and assemblies, and are made in New York, Virginia, New Hampshire, Kentucky and France or sourced from China. During 2009, specialty materials segment represented approximately 6% of Corning’s sales.
Other (<1% of 2009 sales)[2]
Other products primarily include development projects and product lines, certain corporate investments, Samsung Corning Precision’s non-LCD business, and Corning’s Eurokera and Keraglass equity affiliates with Saint Gobain Vitrage S.A. of France, which manufacture smooth cooktop glass/ceramic products in France, China, and South Carolina. Development projects and product lines involve the use of various technologies for products, such as synthetic green lasers, silicon-on-glass, advanced flow reactors, thin-film photovoltaics, and mercury abatement. Corning launched the Epic system, a label-free screening platform based on optical biosensor technology. The system offers drug developers the ability to evaluate new drug targets through both biochemical and cell-based drug discovery applications. During 2009, all other products represented less than 1% of Corning’s sales.
Trends & Forces
Liquid Crystal Displays
The past decade has seen a fundamental transition from cathode-ray-tube (CRT) based televisions and computer monitors to liquid crystal displays (LCDs.) Corning has played a fundamental role in transition. The company produces the glass substrates that are the centerpieces of flat screen LCD technology. Since Corning entered the LCD market, it has continually improved upon its propriety technology for manufacturing, scaling it up its production of glass substrates. In turn, improved economies of scale have allowed Corning's major customers such as Sony, Sumsung and Phillips to produce larger, thinner LCD displays more cheaply. Lowered prices have allowed for significant market penetration and essentially mainstreamed LCD technology.
Corning's Key Advantages
Corning's proprietary fusion technology is patented and is one of the most efficient ways for producing LCD glass substrate on large scales.
Corning's fusion technology is only a reflection of its deep level of knowledge when it comes manufacturing glass based products. Corning's substantial intellectual capital allows it to keep up with the ever increasing demands for LCD glass substrates while maintaining attractive pricing and high margins.
Glass substrate production is capital intensive requiring substantial investments in facilities and research and development. Because of this large barrier to entry, Corning faces relatively little competition in the production of LCD glass substrates.
Corning's strong position and advantages in producing glass substrate have allowed it to capture a 32% market share or over 60% when Samsung Corning Precision's market share is also tabulated.
LCD TVs
Corning began manufacturing glass substrates for televisions in 2000 and, since then, demand for LCD TV glass substrate has grown explosively, driven by increasing demand for Hi-Def (HD) media. Despite over 40% in annual growth since it entered the LCD TV market in 2000, analysts predict that growth in LCD TV demand will continue to propel earnings growth in Corning's Display Technologies for years to come. Determining the current stage of the production cycle is key to calculating growth prospects in the LCD TV market. Early to middle stages in production cycles produce rapid growth whereas a maturing cycle sees slowing growth. According to analysts at Credit Suisse, LCD TVs have achieved only 18% penetration in the total US market. This low level of penetration indicates that LCD TVs will continue to enjoy robust growth.
Another factor driving earnings growth at Corning's Display Technologies is the demand for ever larger flat screen LCD displays. The growing average size of LCD displays acts as a secondary support for increasing demand for Corning's substrates.
LCD Monitors
Corning first began manufacturing glass substrate for computer monitors in 1997. Flat screen LCD monitors are now the single largest source of demand for Corning's glass accounting for over 50% of total sales. LCD Monitors are much further along in the production cycle than LCD TVs. Analysts predict that LCD has achieved approximately 60% total market penetration. Because of the maturity of this market, it is unlikely that Corning will continue to see dramatic growth. Instead, the LCD Monitor market is likely to track growth in the personal computer division as a whole which may range between high single digits to low double digits.
FTTP Networks
Corning's Telecommunications segment is currently enjoying some of the highest levels of technology and capital spending since the dot com boom in the late 90's. Whereas capital spending in the dot com boom was fueled primarily by long-haul networks which ran over long distances to allow internet connectivity, today's capital spending focuses providing access through FTTP (Fiber to the premises) technology. Recent years have seen bandwidth intensive internet activities such as online video, VoIP, and data streaming strain antiquated copper-based networks. In response, large telecom companies, including Verizon and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone of Japan, have implemented massive infrastructure upgrades that connect houses directly by fiber optic networks. Verizon's FiOS network has already been delivered to over 3 million customers. Verizon eventually hopes to have up to 15 million customers. The tremendous expansion of Verizon's FiOS network bodes well for Corning as it currently has over 50% market share of the optical fibers used in Verizon's network. Corning also produces optical fibers for Japanese telecom giant NTT which has already wired 15 million customers and eventually seeks to reach up to 30 million.
Emissions Regulation
Corning looks to benefit from increasingly stringent emissions regulations in US and European markets. Corning first began manufacturing filters and converter substrates in 1976 in response to the Clean Air Act. Three decades later, Corning is experiencing renewed demand for its filter products among increasing global warming concerns. In particular, Corning sees high growth prospects in the market for diesel engine substrates.
Diesel Engines
Skyrocketing oil prices are making US consumers take a second look at diesel fuel engines. Although diesel engines have typically been perceived as dirty and inefficient in the US, they are actually 30% more fuel efficient than their gasoline peers. In Europe, where gasoline prices have been comparatively higher than in the US, diesel engines have achieved a 50% market share. Despite advantages in fuel efficiency, diesel engines produce much more in emissions. Corning's filtering technologies are integral in allowing diesel engines to meet emissions requirements. Corning has developed two groundbreaking products for diesel engines: the first, a new converter substrate for diesel engines and a new filter for capturing diesel emissions. Corning predicts that increasingly stringent emissions requirements will drive growth of sales of these two products in the years to come.
Competition
The Company competes with Asahi Glass CO (OSA:5201), Nippon Electric Glass, Avan Strate, Inc., Furukawa CO (OSA:5715)/OFS, Fujikura (OSA:5803), Sumitomo Electric, Prysmian Cables & Systems, Draka Comteq, 3M Company (3M), Tyco Electronics, Furukawa OFS, CommScope, ADC Communications, NGK, Denso, Ibiden, Schott, Shin-Etsu Quartz Products, Asahi Fine Glass, Carl Zeiss, Nikon, NEG, Transitions Optical, Oerlikon, Hoya, Heraeus, Greiner, Becton Dickinson, Kimble-Chase, and Duran.
LCD Glass
Corning has a dominant position in the LCD glass substrate market. Corning’s dominance stems from several factors. The primary force is the company’s vast experience in the glass manufacturing. This experience has allow Corning to develop its own patented fusion technology which allows it to produce larger, thinner, defect-free glass affordably for its customers. Corning’s dominance is further protected by the capital intensive nature of glass substrate production which has limited the field of competitors. As of 2005, the company had a 60% market share of LCD glass substrate. The above graph demonstrates that Corning's advantage in higher quality glasses is even more pronounced with a 73% market share
FTTP Networks
Corning also has a strong presence in providing fiber optic wiring for new high bandwidth FTTP (Fiber to the premises) networks. Corning has produced 50% of all the fiber used in Verizon’s new FiOS initiative. The company’s cost effectiveness may expand this market share as Verizon continues to expand its network and may also attract other large customers like AT&T
Latest Full Context Quarter Ending Date
2010/09
Gross Profit Margin
58.6%
EBIT Margin
54.1%
EBITDA Margin
34.3%
Pre-Tax Profit Margin
52.5%
Interest Coverage
33.0
Current Ratio
4.3
Quick Ratio
3.5
Leverage Ratio
1.3
Receivables Turnover
7.6
Inventory Turnover
4.0
Asset Turnover
0.3
Revenue to Assets
0.3
ROE from Total Operations
17.7%
Return on Invested Capital
15.6%
Return on Assets
13.2%
Debt/Common Equity Ratio
0.13
Price/Book Ratio (Price/Equity)
1.93
Book Value per Share
$11.78
Total Debt/ Equity
0.13
Long-Term Debt to Total Capital
0.11
SG&A as % of Revenue
15.2%
R&D as % of Revenue
9.1%
Receivables per Day Sales
$48.05
Days CGS in Inventory
90
Working Capital per Share
$3.63
Cash per Share
$2.11
Cash Flow per Share
$2.61
Free Cash Flow per Share
$1.05
Tangible Book Value per Share
$11.36
Price/Cash Flow Ratio
8.7
Price/Free Cash Flow Ratio
21.5
Price/Tangible Book Ratio
2.00
Most recent data
5-Year Averages
Return on Equity
23.1%
Return on Assets
14.8%
Return on Invested Capital
19.8%
Gross Profit Margin
55.6%
Pre-Tax Profit Margin
37.5%
Post-Tax Profit Margin
44.0%
Net Profit Margin (Total Operations)
51.1%
R&D as a % of Sales
10.1%
SG&A as a % of Sales
16.0%
Debt/Equity Ratio
0.16
Total Debt/Equity Ratio
0.17
Corning has four primary business segments. The first, Display Technologies manufactures the glass substrate that is used in the production of liquid crystal displays. This division has been the primary driver of the company's recovery and earnings growth after near bankruptcy in the wake of the dot com implosion. Corning's second division, Telecommunications produces optical wiring and other hardware for telecom companies. The third division, Environmental Technologies produces ceramics for emissions, primarily for automobiles. Finally, Corning's Life Sciences division produces laboratory products such as cell culture dishes and Pyrex pipettes. Corning is also partnered in several joint ventures. The most profitable of its joint ventures is Samsung-Corning Precision (50% owned) which also manufactures glass substrates used in LCDs. The company also runs a joint venture with Dow Chemical named Dow Corning (50% owned) which produces silicone and other semiconductor products. Finally, Samsung-Corning (50% owned) produces cathode-ray-tubes for conventional televisions.
Business and Financial Metrics
First Quarter 2010 Results[1]
Corning reported sales were $1.55 billion, an increase of 1% sequentially and 57% year over year. Earnings per share were $0.52. Excluding special items, EPS was also $0.52, a gain of 18% over the fourth-quarter results and 420% year over year.
Display Technologies' wholly owned business volume was up 12% sequentially and 127% year over year. Samsung Corning Precision Glass Co., Ltd., volume was consistent with the previous quarter and up 64% year over year.
Gross margin improved significantly to 47% from 42% in the previous quarter, and over last year’s first quarter of 27%. Equity earnings were $469 million. This represents a slight increase over the previous quarter’s $461 million. Year-over-year equity earnings improved by 141%.
Business Segments
Display Technologies (45% of 2009 sales)[2]
Corning's Display Technologies division makes the glass substrates that are the main component in liquid crystal displays (LCDs.) These liquid crystal displays are used primarily in notebook computers, flat panel desktop monitors, and LCD televisions. The Display Technologies division is Corning's crown jewel. Over the past decade flat screen displays and LCDs have become increasingly affordable and have entered into the mainstream. Corning has been a driving force behind this increased affordability. In the past few years, Corning has continued to improve upon its own patented fusion manufacturing process which has allowed it to scale up its production of these glass substrates. In the past few years, Corning has continued to refine its substrate production process. Corning's increased scales have in turn allowed customers to make larger, lighter, thinner and higher-resolution displays more affordably. Corning's also operates a joint venture with Samsung, Samsung Corning, which manufactures glass substrates in facilities in Kentucky, Taiwan and Japan using Corning's licensed technology. The combination of equity earnings from this venture with earnings from Corning's Display Technologies division accounts for the lion share of Corning's earnings.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, Display Technologies segment represented 45% of Corning’s sales.
Telecommunications (31% of 2009 sales)[2]
Corning's Telecommunications division produces optical fibers and cables and other equipment for the world's telecommunications industry. Telecommunications' fiber optic wires are the backbone of many local area networks, (i.e. home, campus networks) and long-haul and submarine networks (public providers such as large telecoms.)The company's telecommunications division can be divided into three segments: access, metropolitan and long-haul. In 2000, telecommunications crested at over 75% of the company's total revenues. At the height of the net frenzy, revenue was heavily concentrated in the long-haul networks which involves building out networks over long distances. At the height of the dot com/tech boom, Corning invested heavily in this division. When the bubble burst and technology spending dried up, Telecommunications almost drove the company into bankruptcy. The division now seems primed for a healthy rebound as increasing demand for broadband networks have increased demand for the access segment of Telecommunications.
Corning’s hardware and equipment products include cable assemblies, fiber optic hardware, fiber optic connectors, optical components and couplers, closures and pedestals, splice and test equipment and other accessories for optical connectivity. For copper connectivity, Corning’s products include subscriber demarcation, connection and protection devices, xDSL (different variations of digital subscriber lines) passive solutions and outside plant enclosures. Each of the product lines may be combined in Corning’s fiber-to-the-premises solutions. Corning has manufacturing operations for hardware and equipment products in North Carolina, Arizona, and Texas, as well as Europe, Mexico, and China. In addition, Corning offers products for the cable television industry, including coaxial connectors and associated tools. During 2009, telecommunications segment represented 31% of Corning’s sales.
Environmental Technologies (11% of 2009 sales)[2]
Corning's Environmental Technologies division focuses on innovative solutions to reduce pollution and carbon emissions primarily in automobiles. The division centers on catalytic converters which reduce the toxicity of emissions in internal combustion engines. Catalytic converters perform this function by providing an environment in which toxic by-products will undergo reactions that result in more environmentally friendly products. Corning does not actually produce the physical converter, but rather produces the substrates that go into the converters and catalyze required reactions. Corning is a market leader in this segment producing substrates for most major passenger car companies.
Corning’s environmental products include ceramic technologies for emissions and pollution control in mobile and stationary applications worldwide, including automotive and diesel substrate and filter products. In addition, Corning develops ceramic substrate and filter technologies for diesel emission control products. Corning manufactures substrate and filter products in New York, Virginia, China, Germany and South Africa. Corning sells its ceramic substrate and filter products worldwide to manufacturers of emission control systems, who then sell to automotive and diesel engine manufacturers. During 2009, environmental technologies segment represented 11% of Corning’s sales.
Life Sciences (7% of 2009 sales)[2]
Life Sciences produces laboratory glass products under the Pyrex brand, as well as other laboratory research products. Life Sciences is most notable for the development of Corning's new Epic drug detection system. Epic will facilitate pharmaceuticals' screening process for effective drugs and has strong growth prospects.
Corning’s Life Sciences segment collaborates with researchers seeking new approaches in the drug discovery process. Using expertise in the fields of optics, materials science, surfaces, and biology, the segment provides innovative solutions that improve productivity and enable breakthrough discoveries. Life Sciences laboratory products include general labware and equipment, as well as tools for cell culture and bioprocess, genomics and proteomics. Corning manufactures these products in Maine, New York, New Jersey, California, Utah, Mexico, France, Poland, and China. The products are marketed worldwide, primarily through distributors, to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, hospitals, government entities, and other research facilities. In addition, Corning develops and produces technologies, such as the Corning HYPERFlask Cell Culture Vessel for cell yields and surfaces, such as the Corning CellBIND Surface and the Corning Osteo-Assay surface.
In September 2009, Corning acquired Axygen BioScience, Inc., which is a manufacturer and distributor of plastic consumables, liquid handling products and bench-top laboratory equipment. In addition to its Corning, Costar and Pyrex brands, Corning sells life science products under the Axygen, Sorenson BioScience, Labnet, HTL, and ALP brands. During 2009, life sciences segment represented approximately 7% of Corning’s sales.
Specialty Materials (6% of 2009 sales)[2]
The specialty materials segment manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals. This segment operates in a variety of commercial and industrial markets that include display optics and components, semiconductor optics components, aerospace and defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and a protective cover glass that is optimized for portable display devices. Semiconductor optics manufactured by Corning includes optical material products, optical-based metrology instruments, and optical assemblies for applications in the semiconductor industry. Corning’s semiconductor optics products are manufactured in New York. Other specialty glass products include glass lens and window components and assemblies, and are made in New York, Virginia, New Hampshire, Kentucky and France or sourced from China. During 2009, specialty materials segment represented approximately 6% of Corning’s sales.
Other (<1% of 2009 sales)[2]
Other products primarily include development projects and product lines, certain corporate investments, Samsung Corning Precision’s non-LCD business, and Corning’s Eurokera and Keraglass equity affiliates with Saint Gobain Vitrage S.A. of France, which manufacture smooth cooktop glass/ceramic products in France, China, and South Carolina. Development projects and product lines involve the use of various technologies for products, such as synthetic green lasers, silicon-on-glass, advanced flow reactors, thin-film photovoltaics, and mercury abatement. Corning launched the Epic system, a label-free screening platform based on optical biosensor technology. The system offers drug developers the ability to evaluate new drug targets through both biochemical and cell-based drug discovery applications. During 2009, all other products represented less than 1% of Corning’s sales.
Trends & Forces
Liquid Crystal Displays
The past decade has seen a fundamental transition from cathode-ray-tube (CRT) based televisions and computer monitors to liquid crystal displays (LCDs.) Corning has played a fundamental role in transition. The company produces the glass substrates that are the centerpieces of flat screen LCD technology. Since Corning entered the LCD market, it has continually improved upon its propriety technology for manufacturing, scaling it up its production of glass substrates. In turn, improved economies of scale have allowed Corning's major customers such as Sony, Sumsung and Phillips to produce larger, thinner LCD displays more cheaply. Lowered prices have allowed for significant market penetration and essentially mainstreamed LCD technology.
Corning's Key Advantages
Corning's proprietary fusion technology is patented and is one of the most efficient ways for producing LCD glass substrate on large scales.
Corning's fusion technology is only a reflection of its deep level of knowledge when it comes manufacturing glass based products. Corning's substantial intellectual capital allows it to keep up with the ever increasing demands for LCD glass substrates while maintaining attractive pricing and high margins.
Glass substrate production is capital intensive requiring substantial investments in facilities and research and development. Because of this large barrier to entry, Corning faces relatively little competition in the production of LCD glass substrates.
Corning's strong position and advantages in producing glass substrate have allowed it to capture a 32% market share or over 60% when Samsung Corning Precision's market share is also tabulated.
LCD TVs
Corning began manufacturing glass substrates for televisions in 2000 and, since then, demand for LCD TV glass substrate has grown explosively, driven by increasing demand for Hi-Def (HD) media. Despite over 40% in annual growth since it entered the LCD TV market in 2000, analysts predict that growth in LCD TV demand will continue to propel earnings growth in Corning's Display Technologies for years to come. Determining the current stage of the production cycle is key to calculating growth prospects in the LCD TV market. Early to middle stages in production cycles produce rapid growth whereas a maturing cycle sees slowing growth. According to analysts at Credit Suisse, LCD TVs have achieved only 18% penetration in the total US market. This low level of penetration indicates that LCD TVs will continue to enjoy robust growth.
Another factor driving earnings growth at Corning's Display Technologies is the demand for ever larger flat screen LCD displays. The growing average size of LCD displays acts as a secondary support for increasing demand for Corning's substrates.
LCD Monitors
Corning first began manufacturing glass substrate for computer monitors in 1997. Flat screen LCD monitors are now the single largest source of demand for Corning's glass accounting for over 50% of total sales. LCD Monitors are much further along in the production cycle than LCD TVs. Analysts predict that LCD has achieved approximately 60% total market penetration. Because of the maturity of this market, it is unlikely that Corning will continue to see dramatic growth. Instead, the LCD Monitor market is likely to track growth in the personal computer division as a whole which may range between high single digits to low double digits.
FTTP Networks
Corning's Telecommunications segment is currently enjoying some of the highest levels of technology and capital spending since the dot com boom in the late 90's. Whereas capital spending in the dot com boom was fueled primarily by long-haul networks which ran over long distances to allow internet connectivity, today's capital spending focuses providing access through FTTP (Fiber to the premises) technology. Recent years have seen bandwidth intensive internet activities such as online video, VoIP, and data streaming strain antiquated copper-based networks. In response, large telecom companies, including Verizon and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone of Japan, have implemented massive infrastructure upgrades that connect houses directly by fiber optic networks. Verizon's FiOS network has already been delivered to over 3 million customers. Verizon eventually hopes to have up to 15 million customers. The tremendous expansion of Verizon's FiOS network bodes well for Corning as it currently has over 50% market share of the optical fibers used in Verizon's network. Corning also produces optical fibers for Japanese telecom giant NTT which has already wired 15 million customers and eventually seeks to reach up to 30 million.
Emissions Regulation
Corning looks to benefit from increasingly stringent emissions regulations in US and European markets. Corning first began manufacturing filters and converter substrates in 1976 in response to the Clean Air Act. Three decades later, Corning is experiencing renewed demand for its filter products among increasing global warming concerns. In particular, Corning sees high growth prospects in the market for diesel engine substrates.
Diesel Engines
Skyrocketing oil prices are making US consumers take a second look at diesel fuel engines. Although diesel engines have typically been perceived as dirty and inefficient in the US, they are actually 30% more fuel efficient than their gasoline peers. In Europe, where gasoline prices have been comparatively higher than in the US, diesel engines have achieved a 50% market share. Despite advantages in fuel efficiency, diesel engines produce much more in emissions. Corning's filtering technologies are integral in allowing diesel engines to meet emissions requirements. Corning has developed two groundbreaking products for diesel engines: the first, a new converter substrate for diesel engines and a new filter for capturing diesel emissions. Corning predicts that increasingly stringent emissions requirements will drive growth of sales of these two products in the years to come.
Competition
The Company competes with Asahi Glass CO (OSA:5201), Nippon Electric Glass, Avan Strate, Inc., Furukawa CO (OSA:5715)/OFS, Fujikura (OSA:5803), Sumitomo Electric, Prysmian Cables & Systems, Draka Comteq, 3M Company (3M), Tyco Electronics, Furukawa OFS, CommScope, ADC Communications, NGK, Denso, Ibiden, Schott, Shin-Etsu Quartz Products, Asahi Fine Glass, Carl Zeiss, Nikon, NEG, Transitions Optical, Oerlikon, Hoya, Heraeus, Greiner, Becton Dickinson, Kimble-Chase, and Duran.
LCD Glass
Corning has a dominant position in the LCD glass substrate market. Corning’s dominance stems from several factors. The primary force is the company’s vast experience in the glass manufacturing. This experience has allow Corning to develop its own patented fusion technology which allows it to produce larger, thinner, defect-free glass affordably for its customers. Corning’s dominance is further protected by the capital intensive nature of glass substrate production which has limited the field of competitors. As of 2005, the company had a 60% market share of LCD glass substrate. The above graph demonstrates that Corning's advantage in higher quality glasses is even more pronounced with a 73% market share
FTTP Networks
Corning also has a strong presence in providing fiber optic wiring for new high bandwidth FTTP (Fiber to the premises) networks. Corning has produced 50% of all the fiber used in Verizon’s new FiOS initiative. The company’s cost effectiveness may expand this market share as Verizon continues to expand its network and may also attract other large customers like AT&T
Latest Full Context Quarter Ending Date
2010/09
Gross Profit Margin
58.6%
EBIT Margin
54.1%
EBITDA Margin
34.3%
Pre-Tax Profit Margin
52.5%
Interest Coverage
33.0
Current Ratio
4.3
Quick Ratio
3.5
Leverage Ratio
1.3
Receivables Turnover
7.6
Inventory Turnover
4.0
Asset Turnover
0.3
Revenue to Assets
0.3
ROE from Total Operations
17.7%
Return on Invested Capital
15.6%
Return on Assets
13.2%
Debt/Common Equity Ratio
0.13
Price/Book Ratio (Price/Equity)
1.93
Book Value per Share
$11.78
Total Debt/ Equity
0.13
Long-Term Debt to Total Capital
0.11
SG&A as % of Revenue
15.2%
R&D as % of Revenue
9.1%
Receivables per Day Sales
$48.05
Days CGS in Inventory
90
Working Capital per Share
$3.63
Cash per Share
$2.11
Cash Flow per Share
$2.61
Free Cash Flow per Share
$1.05
Tangible Book Value per Share
$11.36
Price/Cash Flow Ratio
8.7
Price/Free Cash Flow Ratio
21.5
Price/Tangible Book Ratio
2.00
Most recent data
5-Year Averages
Return on Equity
23.1%
Return on Assets
14.8%
Return on Invested Capital
19.8%
Gross Profit Margin
55.6%
Pre-Tax Profit Margin
37.5%
Post-Tax Profit Margin
44.0%
Net Profit Margin (Total Operations)
51.1%
R&D as a % of Sales
10.1%
SG&A as a % of Sales
16.0%
Debt/Equity Ratio
0.16
Total Debt/Equity Ratio
0.17