q3form10q.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010

 
OR

¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from
 
to
   

 
Commission file number:  1-3247

 
CORNING INCORPORATED
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New York
 
16-0393470
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

One Riverfront Plaza, Corning, New York
 
14831
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

 
607-974-9000
 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes
x
 
No
¨
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 
Yes
x
 
No
¨
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer
x
 
Accelerated filer
¨
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
¨
 
Smaller reporting company
¨
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes
¨
 
No
x
 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class
 
Outstanding as of October 15, 2010
Corning’s Common Stock, $0.50 par value per share
 
1,562,878,885 shares


 
 



INDEX

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
Page
Item 1. Financial Statements
   
     
 
3
     
 
4
     
 
5
     
 
6
     
 
37
     
 
56
     
 
56
     
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
   
     
 
57
     
 
60
     
 
61
     
 
62
     
 
63


 
2


CORNING INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts)


 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
                       
Net sales
$
1,602 
 
$
1,479 
 
$
4,867 
 
$
3,863 
Cost of sales
 
878 
   
880 
   
2,585 
   
2,419 
                       
Gross margin
 
724 
   
599 
   
2,282 
   
1,444 
                       
Operating expenses:
                     
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
250 
   
219 
   
731 
   
637 
Research, development and engineering expenses
 
148 
   
131 
   
437 
   
418 
Amortization of purchased intangibles
 
   
   
   
Restructuring, impairment and other (credits) and charges (Note 2)
 
(1)
   
10 
   
(3)
   
175 
Asbestos litigation charge (credit) (Note 3)
 
   
   
(41)
   
15 
                       
Operating income
 
319 
   
230 
   
1,152 
   
191 
                       
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies (Note 9)
 
504 
   
418 
   
1,447 
   
974 
Interest income
 
   
   
   
16 
Interest expense
 
(29)
   
(24)
   
(81)
   
(58)
                       
Other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses:
                     
Changes in total OTTI losses
 
   
(11)
   
(4)
   
(25)
Changes in OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)
 
(2)
   
10 
   
   
23 
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings
 
   
(1)
   
(1)
   
(2)
                       
Other income, net (Note 1)
 
   
48 
   
131 
   
109 
                       
Income before income taxes
 
799 
   
675 
   
2,656 
   
1,230 
(Provision) benefit for income taxes (Note 5)
 
(14)
   
(32)
   
(142)
   
38 
                       
Net income attributable to Corning Incorporated
$
785 
 
$
643 
 
$
2,514 
 
$
1,268 
                       
Earnings per common share attributable to Corning Incorporated:
                     
Basic (Note 6)
$
0.50 
 
$
0.41 
 
$
1.61 
 
$
0.82 
Diluted (Note 6)
$
0.50 
 
$
0.41 
 
$
1.59 
 
$
0.81 
                       
Dividends declared per common share
$
0.05 
 
$
0.05 
 
$
0.15 
 
$
0.15 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


 
3


CORNING INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts)

 
September 30,
2010
 
December 31,
2009
Assets
         
           
Current assets:
         
Cash and cash equivalents
$
3,302 
 
$
2,541 
Short-term investments, at fair value (Note 7)
 
1,727 
   
1,042 
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
 
5,029 
   
3,583 
Trade accounts receivable, net of doubtful accounts and allowances - $21 and $20
 
854 
   
753 
Inventories (Note 8)
 
712 
   
579 
Deferred income taxes (Note 5)
 
455 
   
235 
Other current assets
 
313 
   
371 
Total current assets
 
7,363 
   
5,521 
           
Investments (Note 9)
 
5,194 
   
3,992 
Property, net of accumulated depreciation - $6,174 and $5,503 (Note 11)
 
8,526 
   
7,995 
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net (Note 12)
 
668 
   
676 
Deferred income taxes (Note 5)
 
2,792 
   
2,982 
Other assets
 
127 
   
129 
           
Total Assets
$
24,670 
 
$
21,295 
           
Liabilities and Equity
         
           
Current liabilities:
         
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 4)
$
25 
 
$
74 
Accounts payable
 
720 
   
550 
Other accrued liabilities (Notes 3 and 13)
 
949 
   
915 
Total current liabilities
 
1,694 
   
1,539 
           
Long-term debt (Note 4)
 
2,390 
   
1,930 
Postretirement benefits other than pensions
 
829 
   
858 
Other liabilities (Notes 3 and 13)
 
1,290 
   
1,373 
Total liabilities
 
6,203 
   
5,700 
           
Commitments and contingencies (Note 3)
         
Shareholders’ equity:
         
Common stock – Par value $0.50 per share; Shares authorized 3.8 billion; Shares issued: 1,624 million and 1,617 million
 
812 
   
808 
Additional paid-in capital
 
12,833 
   
12,707 
Retained earnings
 
5,916 
   
3,636 
Treasury stock, at cost; Shares held: 65 million and 64 million
 
(1,226)
   
(1,207)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 18)
 
81 
   
(401)
Total Corning Incorporated shareholders’ equity
 
18,416 
   
15,543 
Noncontrolling interests
 
51 
   
52 
Total equity
 
18,467 
   
15,595 
           
Total Liabilities and Equity
$
24,670 
 
$
21,295 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
4


CORNING INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited; in millions)

 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
         
Net income
$
2,514 
 
$
1,268 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
         
Depreciation
 
624 
   
586 
Amortization of purchased intangibles
 
   
Asbestos litigation (credits) charges
 
(41)
   
15 
Restructuring, impairment and other (credits) charges
 
(3)
   
175 
Loss on retirement of debt
 
30 
     
Stock compensation charges
 
77 
   
97 
Undistributed earnings of affiliated companies
 
(1,096)
   
(535)
Deferred tax benefit
 
(15)
   
(169)
Restructuring payments
 
(58)
   
(71)
Credits issued against customer deposits
 
(76)
   
(207)
Employee benefit payments (in excess of) less than expense
 
(81)
   
12 
Changes in certain working capital items:
         
Trade accounts receivable
 
(62)
   
(265)
Inventories
 
(147)
   
204 
Other current assets
 
25 
   
13 
Accounts payable and other current liabilities, net of restructuring payments
 
   
24 
Other, net
 
38 
   
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
1,743 
   
1,164 
           
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
         
Capital expenditures
 
(534)
   
(727)
Acquisitions of business, net of cash received
       
(410)
Net proceeds from sale or disposal of assets
 
   
15 
Short-term investments – acquisitions
 
(2,000)
   
(876)
Short-term investments – liquidations
 
1,318 
   
859 
Other, net
 
     
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(1,209)
   
(1,139)
           
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
         
Net repayments of short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt
 
(70)
   
(84)
Principal payments under capital lease obligations
 
(1)
   
(10) 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net
 
689 
   
346 
Retirements of long-term debt, net
 
(264)
     
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net
 
15 
   
18 
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
 
39 
   
Dividends paid
 
(235)
   
(234)
Other, net
       
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
173 
   
47 
Effect of exchange rates on cash
 
54 
   
17 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
761 
   
89 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
2,541 
   
1,873 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
3,302 
 
$
1,962 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
5


CORNING INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


1.      Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

In these notes, the terms “Corning,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” mean Corning Incorporated and subsidiary companies.

Effective September 30, 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) established The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationÔ (ASC) as the source of authoritative accounting to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP).  Except for newly issued standards which have not been codified, references to codified literature have been updated to reflect this change.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and in accordance with U.S. GAAP for interim financial information.  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been omitted or condensed.  These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with Corning’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (2009 Form 10-K).

The unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the interim periods presented.  All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.  The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results which may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year.

Effective January 1, 2010, the Company adopted required changes to consolidation guidance for variable interest entities which require an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity.  This analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity as the enterprise that has (1) the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity.  In addition, the required changes provide guidance on shared power and joint venture relationships, remove the scope exemption for qualified special purpose entities, revise the definition of a variable interest entity, and require additional disclosures.  The adoption of this standard was not material to Corning’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

Effective April 1, 2009, the Company adopted the following guidance which resulted from the issuance of new fair value accounting standards under U.S. GAAP:

·  
We changed the method for determining whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists for debt securities and for determining the amount of an impairment charge to be recorded in earnings;
·  
We adopted new guidance for addressing the determination of (a) when a market for an asset or a liability is active or inactive and (b) when a particular transaction is distressed; and
·  
If applicable, we will provide required disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods as well as in annual financial statements.

The impact of adopting these fair value standards was not significant to Corning’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

 
6



Since January 2006, Corning has utilized a lattice-based binomial model to estimate the fair value of its employee stock options.  Beginning in 2010, the Company moved to a multiple-point Black-Scholes model to value stock option awards since Corning generally grants only simple options and recently reduced the emphasis of stock options as part of its compensation program.  The multiple-point Black-Scholes model incorporates all assumptions required under U.S. GAAP, and provides an appropriate fair value estimate while improving transparency and efficiency.  The impact of the change in valuation models was not significant to Corning’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation

Land, buildings, and equipment, including precious metals, are recorded at cost.  Depreciation is based on estimated useful lives of properties using the straight-line method.  Except as described in Note 11 (Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation), related to the depletion of precious metals, the estimated useful lives range from 10 to 40 years for buildings and 2 to 20 years for equipment.

Included in the subcategory of equipment are the following types of assets:
Asset type
Range of useful life
   
Computer hardware and software
3 to 7 years
Manufacturing equipment (excluding precious metals)
2 to 15 years
Furniture and fixtures
5 to 10 years
Transportation equipment
5 to 20 years

Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed of precious metals.  These assets are not depreciated because they have very low physical losses and are repeatedly reclaimed and reused in our manufacturing process over a very long useful life.  We treat the physical loss of precious metals in the manufacturing and reclamation process as depletion and account for these losses as a period expense based on actual units lost.  Precious metals are integral to many of our glass production processes.  They are only acquired to support our operations and are not held for trading or other purposes.

Fair Value Measurements

As prescribed by U.S. GAAP, major categories of financial assets and liabilities, including short-term investments, other assets and derivatives are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  Certain assets and liabilities including long-lived assets, goodwill, asset retirement obligations, and cost and equity investments are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

Fair value is the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required to be recorded at fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and consider assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance.

 
7



Other Income, Net

“Other income, net” in Corning’s consolidated statements of income includes the following (in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
Royalty income from Samsung Corning Precision
$
73 
 
$
62 
 
$
204 
 
$
165 
Foreign currency exchange and hedge losses, net
 
(32)
   
(12)
   
(20)
   
(47)
Loss on retirement of debt
 
(30)
         
(30)
     
Net (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
       
(5)
   
   
(6)
Other, net
 
(9)
   
   
(25)
   
(3)
Total
$
 
$
48 
 
$
131 
 
$
109 

New Accounting Standards

In October 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements—a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (ASU 2009-13).  ASU 2009-13 addresses the accounting for sales arrangements that include multiple products or services by revising the criteria for when deliverables may be accounted for separately rather than as a combined unit.  Specifically, this guidance establishes a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable, which is necessary to separately account for each product or service.  This hierarchy provides more options for establishing selling price than did the previous guidance.  ASU 2009-13 is required to be applied prospectively to new or materially modified revenue arrangements in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010.  Corning does not expect adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements (ASU 2010-06).  Corning adopted ASU 2010-06 effective January 1, 2010, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements which are deferred until fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010.  Corning believes that the disclosures will not have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition when updated.

2.      Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges (Credits)

2010 Activities

The following table summarizes the restructuring reserve activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 (in millions):
 
Reserve at
January 1,
2010
 
Non-cash
adjustments
 
Net
charges/
(reversals)
 
Cash
payments
 
Reserve at
September 30,
2010
Restructuring:
                           
Employee related costs
$
80
 
$
(2)
 
$
(3)
 
$
(52)
 
$
23
Other charges (credits)
 
20
               
(6)
   
14
Total restructuring activity
$
100
 
$
(2)
 
$
(3)
 
$
(58)
 
$
37

Cash payments for employee-related costs will be substantially complete by the end of 2010, while payments for exit activities will be substantially complete by the end of 2011.

 
8



2009 Activities

In the third quarter of 2009, we recorded a charge of $10 million, which was comprised of severance costs for a restructuring plan in the Environmental Technologies segment and asset disposal costs in other segments.  In the first quarter of 2009, we recorded a charge of $165 million associated with a corporate-wide restructuring plan to reduce our global workforce in anticipation of lower sales in 2009.  The charge included costs for severance, special termination benefits, outplacement services, and the impact of a $30 million curtailment loss for postretirement benefits.  Total cash expenditures associated with these actions are expected to be approximately $110 million.

The following table summarizes the restructuring, impairment and other charges (credits) as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 (in millions):
 
Reserve at
Jan. 1,
2009
 
Charges
 
Non-cash
settlements
 
Cash
payments
 
Reserve at
September 30,
2009
                             
Restructuring:
                           
Employee related costs
$
17
 
$
152
 
$
(47)
 
$
(68)
 
$
54
Other charges (credits)
 
17
   
5
         
(3)
   
19
Total restructuring activity
$
34
 
$
157
 
$
(47)
 
$
(71)
 
$
73
                             
Impairment of long-lived assets:
                           
Assets to be disposed of
     
$
18
                 
Total impairment charges
     
$
18
                 
                             
Total restructuring, impairment and other charges
     
$
175
                 

The cost of this plan for each of our reportable operating segments was as follows:
Operating segment
Employee-related
and other costs
Display Technologies
$ 29
Telecommunications
   15
Environmental Technologies
   22
Specialty Materials
   17
Life Sciences
     8
Corporate and All Other
   84
Total restructuring, impairment and other charges
$175


 
9



3.      Commitments and Contingencies

Asbestos Litigation

Pittsburgh Corning Corporation.  Corning and PPG Industries, Inc. (PPG) each own 50% of the capital stock of Pittsburgh Corning Corporation (PCC).  Over a period of more than two decades, PCC and several other defendants have been named in numerous lawsuits involving claims alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos.  On April 16, 2000, PCC filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.  At the time PCC filed for bankruptcy protection, there were approximately 11,800 claims pending against Corning in state court lawsuits alleging various theories of liability based on exposure to PCC’s asbestos products and typically requesting monetary damages in excess of one million dollars per claim.  Corning has defended those claims on the basis of the separate corporate status of PCC and the absence of any facts supporting claims of direct liability arising from PCC’s asbestos products.  Corning is also currently involved in approximately 10,300 other cases (approximately 38,700 claims) alleging injuries from asbestos and similar amounts of monetary damages per case.  Those cases have been covered by insurance without material impact to Corning to date.  As described below, several of Corning’s insurance carriers have filed a legal proceeding concerning the extent of any insurance coverage for these claims.  Asbestos litigation is inherently difficult, and past trends in resolving these claims may not be indicators of future outcomes.

On March 28, 2003, Corning announced that it had reached agreement with the representatives of asbestos claimants for the resolution of all current and future asbestos claims against it and PCC, which might arise from PCC products or operations (the 2003 Plan).  The 2003 Plan would have required Corning to relinquish its equity interest in PCC, contribute its equity interest in Pittsburgh Corning Europe N.V. (PCE), a Belgian corporation, contribute 25 million shares of Corning common stock, and pay a total of $140 million in six annual installments (present value $131 million at March 2003), beginning one year after the plan’s effective date, with 5.5 percent interest from June 2004.  In addition, the 2003 Plan provided that Corning would assign certain insurance policy proceeds from its primary insurance and a portion of its excess insurance.

On December 21, 2006, the Bankruptcy Court issued an order denying confirmation of the 2003 Plan for reasons it set out in a memorandum opinion.  Several parties, including Corning, filed motions for reconsideration.  These motions were argued on March 5, 2007, and the Bankruptcy Court reserved decision.  On January 29, 2009, a proposed plan of reorganization (the Amended PCC Plan) resolving issues raised by the Court in denying confirmation of the 2003 Plan was filed with the Bankruptcy Court.

As a result, Corning believes the Amended PCC Plan, modified as indicated below, now represents the most probable outcome of this matter and expects that the Amended PCC Plan will be confirmed by the Court.  At the same time, Corning believes the 2003 Plan no longer serves as the basis for the Company’s best estimate of liability.  Key provisions of the Amended PCC Plan address the concerns expressed by the Bankruptcy Court.  Accordingly, in the first quarter of 2008, Corning adjusted its asbestos litigation liability to reflect components of the Amended PCC Plan.  The proposed resolution of PCC asbestos claims under the Amended PCC Plan requires Corning to contribute its equity interests in PCC and PCE and to contribute a fixed series of payments, recorded at present value.  Corning will have the option to use its shares rather than cash to make these payments, but the liability is fixed by dollar value and not the number of shares.  The Amended PCC Plan originally required Corning to make (1) one payment of $100 million one year from the date the Amended PCC Plan becomes effective and certain conditions are met and (2) five additional payments of $50 million, on each of the five subsequent anniversaries of the first payment, the final payment of which is subject to reduction based on the application of credits under certain circumstances.  Documents were filed with the Bankruptcy Court further modifying the Amended PCC Plan by reducing Corning’s initial payment by $30 million and reducing its second and fourth payments by $15 million each.  In return, Corning will relinquish its claim for reimbursement of its payments and contributions under the Amended PCC Plan from the insurance carriers involved in the bankruptcy proceeding with certain exceptions.  These modifications are expected to resolve objections to the Amended PCC Plan filed by some of the insurance carriers.  Confirmation hearings on the Amended PCC Plan were held in June 2010 and briefs discussing the legal issues have been filed.

 
10



The Amended PCC Plan does not include certain non-PCC asbestos claims that may be or have been raised against Corning.  Corning has recorded an additional $150 million for such claims in its estimated asbestos litigation liability.  The liability for non-PCC claims was estimated based upon industry data for asbestos claims since Corning does not have recent claim history due to the injunction issued by the Bankruptcy Court.  The estimated liability represents the undiscounted projection of claims and related legal fees over the next 20 years.  The amount may need to be adjusted in future periods as more data becomes available.

The liability for the Amended PCC Plan and the non-PCC asbestos claims was estimated to be $642 million at September 30, 2010, compared with an estimate of the liability of $682 million at December 31, 2009.  During the first quarter of 2010, Corning recorded a $54 million credit to reduce the asbestos litigation reserve related to the change in terms of the proposed settlement of the PCC asbestos claims.  In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, Corning also recorded asbestos litigation expense of $6 million and $13 million, respectively.  The entire obligation is classified as a non-current liability as installment payments for the cash portion of the obligation are not planned to commence until more than 12 months after the Amended PCC Plan becomes effective and the PCE portion of the obligation will be fulfilled through the direct contribution of Corning’s investment in PCE (currently recorded as a non-current other equity method investment).

The Amended PCC Plan is subject to a number of contingencies.  Payment of the amounts required to fund the Amended PCC Plan from insurance and other sources are subject to a number of conditions which may not be achieved.  The approval of the Amended PCC Plan by the Bankruptcy Court is not certain and faces objections by some parties.  Any approval of the Amended PCC Plan by the Bankruptcy Court is subject to appeal.  For these and other reasons, Corning’s liability for these asbestos matters may be subject to changes in subsequent quarters.  The estimate of the cost of resolving the non-PCC asbestos claims may also be subject to change as developments occur.  Management continues to believe that the likelihood of the uncertainties surrounding these proceedings causing a material adverse impact to Corning’s financial statements is remote.

Several of Corning’s insurers have commenced litigation in state courts for a declaration of the rights and obligations of the parties under insurance policies, including rights that may be affected by the potential resolutions described above.  Corning is vigorously contesting these cases.  Management is unable to predict the outcome of this insurance litigation and therefore cannot estimate the range of any possible loss.

Other Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of our business, we do not routinely provide significant third-party guarantees.  When provided, these guarantees have various terms, and none of these guarantees are individually significant.  Generally, third party guarantees provided by Corning are limited to certain financial guarantees including stand-by letters of credit and performance bonds, and the incurrence of contingent liabilities in the form of purchase price adjustments related to attainment of milestones.  These guarantees have various terms, and none of these guarantees are individually significant.

We have agreed to provide a credit facility to Dow Corning Corporation (Dow Corning).  The funding of the Dow Corning credit facility will be required only if Dow Corning is not otherwise able to meet its scheduled funding obligations in its confirmed Bankruptcy Plan.  We believe a significant majority of these guarantees and contingent liabilities will expire without being funded.

As of September 30, 2010, contingent guarantees totaled a notional value of $275 million, compared with $252 million at December 31, 2009.  We believe a significant majority of these contingent guarantees will expire without being funded.  We also were contingently liable for purchase obligations of $301 million and $63 million, at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

Product warranty liability accruals were $26 million at September 30, 2010 and $24 million at December 31, 2009.

 
11



Corning is a defendant in various lawsuits, including environmental litigation, product-related suits, the Dow Corning and PCC matters, discussed in Part II – Item 1, Legal Proceedings, and is subject to various claims that arise in the normal course of business.  In the opinion of management, the likelihood that the ultimate disposition of these matters will have a material adverse effect on Corning’s consolidated financial position, liquidity, or results of operations, is remote.

Corning has been named by the Environmental Protection Agency (the Agency) under the Superfund Act, or by state governments under similar state laws, as a potentially responsible party for 21 active hazardous waste sites.  Under the Superfund Act, all parties who may have contributed any waste to a hazardous waste site, identified by the Agency, are jointly and severally liable for the cost of cleanup unless the Agency agrees otherwise.  It is Corning’s policy to accrue for its estimated liability related to Superfund sites and other environmental liabilities related to property owned by Corning based on expert analysis and continual monitoring by both internal and external consultants.  At September 30, 2010, and December 31, 2009, Corning had accrued approximately $34 million (undiscounted) and $26 million (undiscounted), respectively, for the estimated liability for environmental cleanup and related litigation.  Based upon the information developed to date, management believes that the accrued reserve is a reasonable estimate of the Company’s liability and that the risk of an additional loss in an amount materially higher than that accrued is remote.

4.      Debt

Based on borrowing rates currently available to us for loans with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of long-term debt was $2.6 billion at September 30, 2010 and $2.0 billion at December 31, 2009.

Third Quarter
In the third quarter of 2010, we issued $400 million of 5.75% senior unsecured notes and $300 million of 4.25% senior unsecured notes for net proceeds of approximately $394 million and $295 million, respectively.  The 5.75% notes mature on August 15, 2040 and the 4.25% notes mature on August 15, 2020.  We may redeem these notes at any time.

In the third quarter of 2010, we repurchased $126 million of 6.2% senior unsecured notes due March 15, 2016 and $100 million of 5.9% senior unsecured notes due March 15, 2014.  The net carrying amount of the debt repurchased was $234 million.  We recognized a pre-tax loss of $30 million upon early redemption of these notes.

There were no significant debt transactions in the third quarter of 2009.

Second Quarter
There were no significant debt transactions in the second quarter of 2010.

In the second quarter of 2009, Corning issued $250 million of 6.625% senior unsecured notes and $100 million of 7% senior unsecured notes for net proceeds of approximately $248 million and $98 million, respectively.  The 6.625% notes mature on May 15, 2019 and the 7% notes mature on May 15, 2024.  We may redeem these notes at any time.

First Quarter
In the first quarter of 2010, Corning repaid $58 million of debt which included the redemption of $48 million principal amount of our 6.25% notes due February 18, 2010.

In the first quarter of 2009, Corning repaid $72 million of debt which included the redemption of $54 million principal amount of our 6.3% notes due March 1, 2009.

 
12



5.      Income Taxes

Our provision for income taxes and the related effective income tax rates were as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
                       
(Provision) benefit for income taxes
$
(14) 
 
$
(32) 
 
$
(142)  
 
$
 38    
Effective tax rate
 
1.8%
   
4.7%
   
  5.3%
   
(3.1)%

For the three months ended September 30, 2010, the effective income tax rate differed from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the following items:
·  
Rate differences on income/(losses) of consolidated foreign companies;
·  
The impact of equity in earnings of affiliated companies;
·  
The benefit of tax holidays and investment credits in foreign jurisdictions;
·  
The benefit of excess foreign tax credits from repatriation of current year earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries; and
·  
The impact of discrete items, including a $30 million loss from early redemption of debt.  Refer to Note 4 (Debt) for additional information about Corning’s debt redemption loss.  Discrete items decreased our effective tax rate by 0.6 percentage points.

In addition to the items noted above, the tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, reflected the impact of discrete items, including a $56 million charge from the reversal of the deferred tax asset associated with a subsidy for certain retiree medical benefits.  Discrete items in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased our effective tax rate by 2.5 percentage points.

For the three months ended September 30, 2009, the effective income tax rate differed from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the following items:
·  
Rate differences on income/(losses) of consolidated foreign companies;
·  
The impact of equity in earnings of affiliated companies;
·  
The benefit of tax holidays and investment credits in foreign jurisdictions; and
·  
The impact of discrete items, including a restructuring charge of $10 million.  Refer to Note 2 (Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges (Credits)) for additional information about Corning’s restructuring charge.  Discrete items decreased our effective tax rate by 2.5 percentage points.

In addition to the items noted above, the tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, reflected the impact of discrete items, including a restructuring charge of $175 million.  Discrete items decreased our effective rate by 7.4 percentage points.

U.S. profits of approximately $8.3 billion will be required to fully realize the deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2009.  Of that amount, $3.6 billion of U.S. profits will be required over the next 16 years to fully realize the deferred tax assets associated with federal net operating loss carry forwards.

During the fourth quarter of 2010, Corning plans to repatriate to the U.S. approximately $1.1 billion of current year earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries.  As a result of this plan, a tax benefit from excess foreign tax credits is included in the full year effective tax rate.  The impact of this tax benefit in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, was a reduction to our tax provision of $62 million and $204 million, respectively.  We continue to maintain our permanent reinvestment assertion with regards to the remaining unremitted earnings of our foreign subsidiaries.  At December 31, 2009, taxes had not been provided on approximately $7.3 billion of accumulated foreign unremitted earnings that are expected to remain invested indefinitely.  It is not practical to calculate the unrecognized deferred tax liability on those earnings.

 
13



Certain foreign subsidiaries in China and Taiwan are operating under tax holiday arrangements.  The nature and extent of such arrangements vary, and the benefits of such arrangements phase out through 2015 according to the specific terms and schedules of the relevant taxing jurisdictions.  The impact of the tax holidays on our effective tax rate is a reduction in the rate of 4.9 and 6.5 percentage points for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and a reduction in the rate of 5.4 and 7.2 percentage points for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

While we expect the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to change in the next 12 months, we do not expect the change to have a significant impact on the results of operations or our financial position.

6.      Earnings per Common Share

The reconciliation of the amounts used in the basic and diluted earnings per common share computations follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
Net
income
attributable
to Corning
Incorporated
 
Weighted-
average
shares
 
Per
share
amount
 
Net
income
attributable
to Corning
Incorporated
 
Weighted-
average
shares
 
Per
share
amount
                               
Basic earnings per common share
$785
 
1,557
 
$0.50
 
$643
 
1,550
 
$0.41
                               
Effect of dilutive securities:
                             
Stock options and other dilutive securities
     
     23
             
     19
     
                               
Diluted earnings per common share
$785
 
1,580
 
$0.50
 
$643
 
1,569
 
$0.41

 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
Net
income
attributable
to Corning
Incorporated
 
Weighted-
average
shares
 
Per
share
amount
 
Net
income
attributable
to Corning
Incorporated
 
Weighted-
average
shares
 
Per
share
amount
                               
Basic earnings per common share
$2,514
 
1,558
 
$1.61
 
$1,268
 
1,549
 
$0.82
                               
Effect of dilutive securities:
                             
Stock options and other dilutive securities
     
     23
             
     16
     
                               
Diluted earnings per common share
$2,514
 
1,581
 
$1.59
 
$1,268
 
1,565
 
$0.81


 
14



The following potential common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.  In addition, the following performance-based restricted stock awards have been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share because the number of shares ultimately issued was contingent on our performance against certain targets established for the performance period (in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
Potential common shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share:
             
Employee stock options and awards
41
 
50
 
45
 
60
Performance-based restricted stock awards
   
4
     
4
Total
41
 
54
 
45
 
64

7.      Available-for-Sale Investments

The following is a summary of the fair value of available-for-sale investments (in millions):
 
Amortized cost
 
Fair value
 
September 30,
2010
 
December 31,
2009
 
September 30,
2010
 
December 31,
2009
Bonds, notes and other securities:
                     
U.S. government and agencies
$
1,709
 
$
973
 
$
1,712
 
$
975
Other debt securities
 
11
   
66
   
15
   
67
Total short-term investments
$
1,720
 
$
1,039
 
$
1,727
 
$
1,042
Asset-backed securities
$
67
 
$
75
 
$
44
 
$
42
Total long-term investments
$
67
 
$
75
 
$
44
 
$
42

We do not intend to sell, nor do we believe it is more likely than not that we would be required to sell, the long-term investment asset-backed securities (which are collateralized by mortgages) before recovery of their amortized cost basis.  It is possible that a significant degradation in the delinquency or foreclosure rates in the underlying assets could cause further temporary or other-than-temporary impairments in the future.

 
15



The following tables provide the fair value and gross unrealized losses of the Company’s investments aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (in millions):
 
September 30, 2010
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or greater
 
Total
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
U.S. government and agencies
$
359
 
$
0
             
$
359
 
$
Total short-term investments
$
359
 
$
0
             
$
359
 
$
Asset-backed securities
           
$
44
 
$
(23)
 
$
44
 
$
(23)
Total long-term investments
           
$
44
 
$
(23)
 
$
44
 
$
(23)

 
December 31, 2009
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or greater
 
Total
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair
value
 
Unrealized
losses
U.S. government and agencies
$
320
 
$
0
             
$
320
 
$
Total short-term investments
$
320
 
$
0
             
$
320
 
$
Asset-backed securities
           
$
42
 
$
(33)
 
$
42
 
$
(33)
Total long-term investments
           
$
42
 
$
(33)
 
$
42
 
$
(33)

Gross realized gains and losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were not significant.

A roll forward of the changes in credit losses recognized in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and six months ended September 30, 2009 (in millions):
 
2010
 
2009*
Beginning balance of credit losses, January 1
$ 2
 
$ 0
Additions for credit losses not previously recognized in earnings
   1
 
   1
Balance of credit losses, June 30
$ 3
 
$ 1
Additions for credit losses not previously recognized in earnings
   0
 
   1
Ending balance of credit losses, September 30
$ 3
 
$ 2

*
The standard was implemented April 1, 2009.  Therefore, there were no credit losses recognized in the first quarter of 2009.

The $3 million loss represents management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in the securities considering projected cash flows using assumptions of delinquency rates, loss severities, and other estimates of future collateral performance.  These credit losses are limited to asset-backed securities in our investment portfolio.

The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of available-for-sale securities at September 30, 2010 (in millions):
Less than one year
$ 1,548
Due in 1-5 years
169
Due in 5-10 years
 
Due after 10 years (1)
54
Total
$ 1,771

(1)
Includes $44 million of asset-backed securities that mature over time and are being reported at their final maturity dates.

 
16



8.      Inventories

Inventories comprise the following (in millions):
 
September 30,
2010
 
December 31,
2009
Finished goods
$206
 
$175
Work in process
  193
 
  113
Raw materials and accessories
  135
 
  114
Supplies and packing materials
  178
 
  177
Total inventories
$712
 
$579

9.      Investments

Investments comprise the following (in millions):
 
Ownership
interest (1)
 
September 30,
2010
 
December 31,
2009
Affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method
             
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
50%
 
$
3,819
 
$
2,772
Dow Corning Corporation
50%
   
1,142
   
992
All other
20-50%
   
230
   
224
       
5,191
   
3,988
Other investments
     
3
   
4
Total
   
$
5,194
 
$
3,992

(1)
Amounts reflect Corning’s direct ownership interests in the respective affiliated companies.  Corning does not control any of these entities.

Related party information for these investments in affiliates follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
Related Party Transactions:
                     
Corning sales to affiliated companies
$
5
 
$
6
 
$
16
 
$
27
Corning purchases from affiliated companies
$
18
 
$
14
 
$
52
 
$
26
Corning transfers of assets, at cost, to affiliated companies
$
26
 
$
12
 
$
87
 
$
54
Dividends received from affiliated companies
$
66
 
$
20
 
$
351
 
$
439
Royalty income from affiliated companies
$
73
 
$
62
 
$
205
 
$
167
Corning services to affiliates
$
10
 
$
14
 
$
25
 
$
14

As of September 30, 2010, balances due to and due from affiliates were $2 million and $95 million, respectively.  As of December 31, 2009, balances due to and due from affiliates were $2 million and $122 million, respectively.

We have contractual agreements with several of our equity affiliates which include sales, purchasing, licensing and technology agreements.

Summarized results of operations for our two significant investments accounted for by the equity method follow:

Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. (Samsung Corning Precision)
Samsung Corning Precision is a South Korea-based manufacturer primarily of liquid crystal display (LCD) glass for flat panel displays.  In the second quarter of 2010, Samsung Corning Precision changed its name from Samsung Corning Precision Glass Co., Ltd. to Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.

 
17



Samsung Corning Precision’s results of operations follow (in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
                       
Statement of Operations:
                     
Net sales
$
1,324
 
$
1,164
 
$
3,730
 
$
2,989
Gross profit
$
1,039
 
$
854
 
$
2,891
 
$
2,145
Net income attributable to Samsung Corning Precision
$
791
 
$
632
 
$
2,207
 
$
1,592
Corning’s equity in earnings of Samsung Corning Precision
$
394
 
$
316
 
$
1,102
 
$
797
                       
Related Party Transactions:
                     
Corning purchases from Samsung Corning Precision
$
12
 
$
8
 
$
33
 
$
12
Corning sales to Samsung Corning Precision
                 
$
9
Dividends received from Samsung Corning Precision
           
$
173
 
$
181
Royalty income from Samsung Corning Precision
$
73
 
$
62
 
$
204
 
$
165
Corning transfers of machinery and equipment to Samsung Corning Precision at cost (1)
$
25
 
$
12
 
$
86
 
$
54

(1)
Corning purchases machinery and equipment on behalf of Samsung Corning Precision to support its capital expansion initiatives.  The machinery and equipment are transferred to Samsung Corning Precision at our cost basis.

Corning owns 50% of Samsung Corning Precision.  Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. owns 43% and other shareholders own the remaining 7%.

As of September 30, 2010, balances due from Samsung Corning Precision were $37 million and balances due to Samsung Corning Precision were not significant.  As of December 31, 2009, balances due from Samsung Corning Precision were $36 million and balances due to Samsung Corning Precision were $14 million.

On December 31, 2007, Samsung Corning Precision acquired all of the outstanding shares of Samsung Corning Co., Ltd. (Samsung Corning).  After the transaction, Corning retained its 50% interest in Samsung Corning Precision.  Samsung Corning Precision accounted for the transaction at fair value, while Corning accounted for the transaction at historical cost.

Prior to their merger, Samsung Corning Precision and Samsung Corning were two of approximately thirty co-defendants in a lawsuit filed by Seoul Guarantee Insurance Co. and thirteen other creditors (SGI and Creditors) for alleged breach of an agreement that approximately twenty-eight affiliates of the Samsung group (Samsung Affiliates) entered into with SGI and Creditors on August 24, 1999 (the Agreement).  The lawsuit is pending in the courts of South Korea.  Under the Agreement it is alleged that the Samsung Affiliates agreed to sell certain shares of Samsung Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (SLI), which had been transferred to SGI and Creditors in connection with the petition for court receivership of Samsung Motors Inc.  In the lawsuit, SGI and Creditors allege a breach of the Agreement by the Samsung Affiliates and are seeking the loss of principal (approximately $1.95 billion) for loans extended to Samsung Motors Inc., default interest and a separate amount for breach.  On January 31, 2008, the Seoul District Court ordered the Samsung Affiliates: to pay approximately $1.30 billion by disposing of 2,334,045 shares of SLI less 1,165,955 shares of SLI previously sold by SGI and Creditors and paying the proceeds to SGI and Creditors; to satisfy any shortfall by participating in the purchase of equity or subordinate debentures issued by them; and pay default interest of 6% per annum.  The ruling has been appealed.  On November 10, 2009, the Appellate Court directed the parties to attempt to resolve this matter through mediation.  As a result, the parties are discussing the possibility of a settlement of this matter.  Due to the uncertainties around the financial impact to each of the respective Samsung Affiliates, Samsung Corning Precision is unable to reasonably estimate the amount of potential loss, if any, associated with this case and therefore no provision for such loss is reflected in its financial statements.  Other than as described above, no claim in these matters has been asserted against Corning or any of its affiliates.

 
18



In connection with an investigation by the Commission of the European Communities, Competition DG, of alleged anticompetitive behavior relating to the worldwide production of LCD glass, Corning and Samsung Corning Precision received a request from the Competition DG on March 30, 2009 for certain information.  Corning and Samsung Corning Precision have responded to those requests for information.  On October 9, 2009, in connection with its investigation, the Competition DG made a further request for information from both Corning and Samsung Corning Precision to which each party has responded.  Samsung Corning Precision has also responded to the Competition DG and authorities in other jurisdictions, including the United States in connection with similar investigations of alleged anticompetitive behavior relating to worldwide production of cathode ray tube glass.

In September 2009, Corning and Samsung Corning Precision formed Corsam Technologies LLC (Corsam), an affiliate established to provide glass technology research for future product applications.  Samsung Corning Precision invested $124 million in cash and Corning contributed intellectual property with a corresponding value.  Corning and Samsung Corning Precision each own 50% of the common stock of Corsam and Corning has agreed to provide research and development services at arms length to Corsam.  Corning does not control Corsam because Samsung Corning Precision’s other investors maintain significant participating voting rights.  In addition, Corsam has sufficient equity to finance its activities, the voting rights of investors in Corsam are considered substantive, and the risks and rewards of Corsam’s research are shared only by those investors noted.  As a result, Corsam is accounted for under the equity method of accounting for investments.

Dow Corning Corporation (Dow Corning)
Dow Corning is a U.S.-based manufacturer of silicone products.  Dow Corning’s results of operations follow (in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
                       
Statement of Operations:
                     
Net sales
$
1,515
 
$
1,409
 
$
4,413
 
$
3,625
Gross profit
$
540
 
$
529
 
$
1,600
 
$
1,187
Net income attributable to Dow Corning
$
176
 
$
184
 
$
615
 
$
309
Corning’s equity in earnings of Dow Corning
$
97
 
$
92
 
$
320
 
$
154
                       
Related Party Transactions:
                     
Corning purchases from Dow Corning
$
5
 
$
5
 
$
15
 
$
13
Dividends received from Dow Corning
$
56
       
$
167
 
$
222

Amounts owed to Dow Corning totaled $1 million as of September 30, 2010.  At December 31, 2009, amounts owed to Dow Corning were not significant.

In response to economic challenges, Dow Corning incurred restructuring charges associated with a global workforce reduction in the first quarter of 2009.  Our share of these charges was $29 million.

At September 30, 2010, Dow Corning’s marketable securities included approximately $670 million of auction rate securities, net of a temporary impairment of $31 million.  As a result of the temporary impairment, unrealized losses of $25 million, net of $7 million for a minority interest’s share, were included in accumulated other comprehensive income in Dow Corning’s consolidated balance sheet.  Corning’s share of this unrealized loss was $12 million and is included in Corning’s accumulated other comprehensive income.

Dow Corning has borrowed the full amount available under its $500 million revolving credit facility and believes it has adequate liquidity to fund operations, its capital expenditure plan, breast implant settlement liabilities, and shareholder dividends.

 
19



In 1995, Corning fully impaired its investment in Dow Corning after it filed for bankruptcy protection.  Corning did not recognize net equity earnings from the second quarter of 1995 through the end of 2002.  Corning began recognizing equity earnings in the first quarter of 2003 when management concluded that Dow Corning’s emergence from bankruptcy was probable.  Corning considers the $249 million difference between the carrying value of its investment in Dow Corning and its 50% share of Dow Corning’s equity to be permanent.

Corning and The Dow Chemical Company (Dow Chemical) each own 50% of the common stock of Dow Corning.  In May 1995, Dow Corning filed for bankruptcy protection to address pending and claimed liabilities arising from many thousands of breast implant product lawsuits.  On June 1, 2004, Dow Corning emerged from Chapter 11 with a Plan of Reorganization (the Plan) which provided for the settlement or other resolution of implant claims.  The Plan also includes releases for Corning and Dow Chemical as shareholders in exchange for contributions to the Plan.

Under the terms of the Plan, Dow Corning has established and is funding a Settlement Trust and a Litigation Facility to provide a means for tort claimants to settle or litigate their claims.  Inclusive of insurance, Dow Corning has paid approximately $1.7 billion to the Settlement Trust.  As of September 30, 2010, Dow Corning had recorded a reserve for breast implant litigation of $1.6 billion and anticipates insurance receivables of $8 million.  As a separate matter arising from the bankruptcy proceedings, Dow Corning is defending claims asserted by a number of commercial creditors who claim additional interest at default rates and enforcement costs, during the period from May 1995 through June 2004.  As of September 30, 2010, Dow Corning has estimated the liability to commercial creditors to be within the range of $81 million to $264 million.  As Dow Corning management believes no single amount within the range appears to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range, Dow Corning has recorded the minimum liability within the range.  Should Dow Corning not prevail in this matter, Corning’s equity earnings would be reduced by its 50% share of the amount in excess of $81 million, net of applicable tax benefits.  In addition, the London Market Insurers (the LMI Claimants) have claimed a reimbursement right with respect to a portion of insurance proceeds previously paid by the LMI Claimants to Dow Corning.  This claim is based on a theory that the LMI Claimants overestimated Dow Corning’s liability for the resolution of implant claims pursuant to the Plan.  The LMI Claimants offered two calculations of their claim amount:  $54 million and $93 million, plus minimum interest of $67 million and $116 million, respectively.  These estimates were explicitly characterized as preliminary and subject to change.  Litigation regarding this claim is in the discovery stage.  Dow Corning disputes the claim and is unable to reasonably estimate any potential liability.  There are a number of other claims in the bankruptcy proceedings against Dow Corning awaiting resolution by the U.S. District Court, and it is reasonably possible that Dow Corning may record bankruptcy-related charges in the future.  The remaining tort claims against Corning relating to the breast implant product lawsuits under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court will be channeled by the Plan into facilities established by the Plan or otherwise defended by the Litigation Facility.

Pittsburgh Corning Corporation (PCC)
Corning and PPG Industries, Inc. (PPG) each own 50% of the capital stock of Pittsburgh Corning Corporation (PCC).  Over a period of more than two decades, PCC and several other defendants have been named in numerous lawsuits involving claims alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos.  Corning also has an equity interest in Pittsburgh Corning Europe N.V. (PCE), a Belgian Corporation, which is a component of the Company’s proposed settlement for asbestos litigation.  At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the fair value of PCE significantly exceeded its carrying value of $126 million and $125 million, respectively.  There have been no impairment indicators for our investment in PCE and we continue to recognize equity earnings of this affiliate.  PCC filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on April 16, 2000.  At that time, Corning determined that it lacked the ability to recover the carrying amount of its investment in PCC and its investment was other-than-temporarily impaired.  As a result, we reduced our investment in PCC to zero.  Refer to Note 3 (Commitments and Contingencies) for additional information about PCC and PCE.

Variable Interest Entities
For variable interest entities, we routinely assess the terms of our interest in each entity to determine if we are the primary beneficiary as prescribed by U.S. GAAP.  Corning leases certain transportation equipment from three Trusts that qualify as variable interest entities.  The sole purpose of these entities is to lease transportation equipment to Corning.  None of these entities is considered significant to Corning’s consolidated financial statements.

 
20



Corning does not have retained interests in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serve as credit, liquidity or market risk support to that entity.

10.      Acquisition

On September 15, 2009, Corning acquired all of the shares of Axygen Bioscience, Inc. and its subsidiaries from American Capital Ltd. for $410 million, net of $7 million cash received.  Axygen is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality life sciences plastic consumable labware, liquid handling products, and bench-top laboratory equipment.

The purchase price of the acquisition was allocated to the net tangible and other intangible assets acquired as shown in the following table, with the remainder recorded as goodwill on the basis of fair value (in millions):
Total current assets
$
63 
Other tangible assets
 
49 
Other intangible assets
 
153 
Current and non-current liabilities
 
(80)
Net tangible and intangible assets
$
185 
Purchase price, including cash received
 
417 
Goodwill (1)
$
232 

(1)
None of the goodwill recognized is deductible for U.S. income tax purposes.  The goodwill was allocated to the Life Sciences segment.

Goodwill is primarily related to the value of Axygen’s product portfolio and distribution network and its combination with Corning’s existing life sciences platform, as well as synergies and other intangibles that do not qualify for separate recognition.  Supplemental pro forma information was not provided because Axygen is not material to Corning’s consolidated financial statements.

11.      Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation

Property, net follows (in millions):
 
September 30,
2010
 
December 31,
2009
Land
$
103 
 
$
96 
Buildings
 
3,613 
   
3,443 
Equipment
 
10,117 
   
9,237 
Construction in progress
 
867 
   
722 
   
14,700 
   
13,498 
Accumulated depreciation
 
(6,174)
   
(5,503)
Total
$
8,526 
 
$
7,995 

In the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, interest costs capitalized as part of property, net, were $5 million and $6 million, respectively.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, interest costs capitalized as part of property, net, were $12 million and $24 million, respectively.

Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed of precious metals.  At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the recorded value of precious metals totaled $1.9 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively.  Depletion expense for precious metals in the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 totaled $6 million and $4 million, respectively.  Depletion expense for precious metals in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 totaled $12 million and $7 million, respectively.

 
21



12.      Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

There were no significant changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  Balances by segment are as follows (in millions):
 
Telecom-
munications
 
Display
Technologies
 
Specialty
Materials
 
Life
Sciences
 
Total
                   
Balance at September 30, 2010
$ 118
 
$ 9
 
$ 150
 
$ 232
 
$ 509

Other intangible assets are as follows (in millions):
 
September 30, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
 
Gross
 
Accumulated
amortization
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Accumulated
amortization
 
Net
Amortized intangible assets:
                                 
Patents, trademarks, and trade names (1)
$ 205  
$ 124
  $   81   $ 206  
$ 122
  $84
Non-competition agreements
     97  
     93
        4        98  
     93
        5
Other (1)
     77  
      3
      74        80  
       2
      78
                                   
Total
$ 379  
$ 220
  $ 159   $ 384  
$ 217
  $ 167

(1)
The Company recorded other identifiable intangible assets associated with the purchase of Axygen Bioscience, Inc. in the third quarter of 2009.  Refer to Note 10 (Acquisition) for additional information.

Amortized intangible assets are primarily related to the Telecommunications and Life Sciences segments.

Amortization expense related to these intangible assets is estimated to be $8 million for 2010 and $7 million thereafter.

13.      Customer Deposits

In 2005 and 2004, several of Corning’s customers entered into long-term purchase and supply agreements in which Corning’s Display Technologies segment would supply large-size glass substrates to these customers over periods of up to six years.  As part of the agreements, these customers agreed to advance unrestricted cash deposits to Corning for a portion of the contracted glass to be purchased.  Between 2004 and 2007, we received a total of $937 million for customer deposit agreements.  We do not expect to receive additional deposits related to these agreements.

Upon receipt of the cash deposits made by customers, we recorded a customer deposit liability.  This liability is reduced at the time of future product sales over the life of the agreements.  As product is shipped to a customer, Corning recognizes revenue at the selling price and issues credit memoranda for an agreed amount of the customer deposit liability.  The credit memoranda are applied against customer receivables resulting from the sale of product, thus reducing operating cash flows in later periods as these credits are applied for cash deposits received in earlier periods.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, we issued $8 million and $76 million, respectively, in credit memoranda.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, we issued $42 million and $207 million, respectively, in credit memoranda.  Customer deposit liabilities were $33 million and $104 million at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, of which $27 million and $80 million, respectively, were recorded in the current portion of other accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.  Because these liabilities are denominated in Japanese yen, changes in the balances include the impact of movements in the Japanese yen-U.S. dollar exchange rate.

 
22



In the event customers do not purchase the agreed upon quantities of product, subject to specific conditions outlined in the agreements, Corning may retain certain amounts of the customer deposits.  If Corning does not deliver agreed upon product quantities, subject to specific conditions outlined in the agreements, Corning may be required to return certain amounts of customer deposits.

14.      Employee Retirement Plans

The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost for Corning’s defined benefit pension and postretirement health care and life insurance plans (in millions):
 
Pension benefits
 
Postretirement benefits
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
                                               
Service cost
$
11 
 
$
12 
 
$
34 
 
$
35 
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
Interest cost
 
39 
   
39 
   
116 
   
117 
   
13 
   
13 
   
38 
   
38 
Expected return on plan assets
 
(42)
   
(45)
   
(126)
   
(134)
                       
Amortization of net loss
 
12 
   
   
37 
   
23 
   
   
   
12 
   
Amortization of prior service cost
 
   
   
   
   
(1)
   
(1)
   
(5)
   
(2)
Total pension and postretirement benefit expense
$
22 
 
$
16 
 
$
68 
 
$
47 
 
$
17 
 
$
17 
 
$
54 
 
$
52 
                                               
Curtailment charge
                   
22 
                     
Total expense
$
22 
 
$
16 
 
$
68 
 
$
69 
 
$
17 
 
$
17 
 
$
54 
 
$
60 

Corning and certain of its domestic subsidiaries offer postretirement plans that provide health care and life insurance benefits for retirees and eligible dependents.  Certain employees may become eligible for such postretirement benefits upon reaching retirement age and service requirements.  In response to rising health care costs, we changed our cost-sharing approach for retiree medical coverage.  For current retirees (including surviving spouses) and active employees eligible for the salaried retiree medical program, we placed a “cap” on the amount we will contribute toward retiree medical coverage in the future.  The cap equals 120% of our 2005 contributions toward retiree medical benefits.  Once our contributions toward salaried retiree medical costs reach this cap, impacted retirees will have to pay the excess amount in addition to their regular contributions for coverage.  This cap was attained for post-65 retirees in 2008 and has impacted their contribution rate in 2009 and going forward.  The pre-65 retirees are expected to trigger the cap in 2010 which will impact their contribution rate in 2011.  Employees hired or rehired on or after January 1, 2007 will be eligible for Corning retiree medical upon retirement; however, these employees will pay 100% of the cost.

On March 23, 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) was signed into law.  On March 30, 2010, a companion bill, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (Reconciliation Act), was also signed into law.  The PPACA and the Reconciliation Act, when taken together, represent comprehensive healthcare reform legislation.  Based on our analysis, the provisions of this legislation are not currently expected to have a significant impact on retiree medical plan costs and, therefore, a remeasurement of the Company’s retiree plan liabilities is not required at this time.

In the three months ended March 31, 2009, Corning recorded restructuring charges of $44 million for pension and postretirement benefit plans.  This included a curtailment charge of $30 million for the domestic qualified defined benefit plan (U.S. pension plan) and the domestic postretirement benefit plan.  Accordingly, we remeasured the U.S. pension and postretirement benefit plans as of March 31, 2009.  The remeasurement resulted in an increase of $115 million to the Company’s U.S. pension liability and a decrease of $12 million to the domestic postretirement benefit plan liability.  As part of the remeasurement, we updated the assumed discount rate for both plans to 6.25%, which reflected a 25 basis point increase from December 31, 2008.

 
23



15.      Hedging Activities

Corning operates in many foreign countries and as a result is exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates.  The areas in which exchange rate fluctuations affect us include:

·  
Financial instruments and transactions denominated in foreign currencies, which impact earnings; and
·  
The translation of net assets in foreign subsidiaries for which the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, which impacts our net equity.

Our most significant foreign currency exposures relate to the Japanese yen, Korean won, New Taiwan dollar and the Euro.  We manage our foreign currency exposure primarily by entering into foreign exchange forward contracts with durations of generally 18 months or less to hedge foreign currency risk.  The hedges are scheduled to mature coincident with the timing of the underlying foreign currency commitments and transactions.  The objective of these contracts is to neutralize the impact of exchange rate movements on our operating results.

The forward and option contracts we use in managing our foreign currency exposures contain an element of risk in that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements.  However, we minimize this risk by limiting the counterparties to a diverse group of highly-rated major domestic and international financial institutions with which we have other financial relationships.  We are exposed to potential losses in the event of non-performance by these counterparties.  However, we do not expect to record any losses as a result of counterparty default.  Neither we nor our counterparties are required to post collateral for these financial instruments.

The amount of hedge ineffectiveness at September 30, 2010 and at December 31, 2009 was insignificant.

Cash Flow Hedges
Our cash flow hedging activities utilize foreign exchange forward and option contracts to reduce the risk that movements in exchange rates will adversely affect the eventual net cash flows resulting from the sale of products to foreign customers and purchases from foreign suppliers.  Corning uses a regression analysis to monitor the effectiveness of its cash flow hedges both prospectively and retrospectively.  Corning defers net gains and losses from cash flow hedges into accumulated other comprehensive income on the consolidated balance sheet until such time as the hedged item impacts earnings.  At September 30, 2010, the amount of net losses expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months was $23 million.

Undesignated Hedges
Corning uses other foreign exchange forward contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes.  The undesignated hedges limit exposures to foreign currency fluctuations related to certain monetary assets, monetary liabilities and net earnings in foreign currencies.

Net Investment in Foreign Operations
In February 2000, we issued $500 million of Euro-denominated notes that were designated as a hedge of a net investment in foreign operations.  The effective portion of the changes in fair value of the outstanding debt balance has been included as a component of the foreign currency translation adjustment (CTA) within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  In February 2010, we repaid the remaining $48 million balance of this debt.  At that time, the cumulative amount of CTA related to this debt was a net loss of $140 million, which will remain in accumulated other comprehensive income until ultimate disposition of the underlying Euro investment.

 
24



The following tables summarize the notional amounts and respective fair values of Corning’s derivative financial instruments (in millions):
     
Asset derivatives
 
Liability derivatives
As of September 30, 2010
Notional
amount
 
Balance sheet
location
 
Fair
value
 
Balance sheet
location
 
Fair
value
                         
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
                       
                         
Foreign exchange contracts
$
723
 
Other current assets
 
$
3
 
Other accrued liabilities
 
$
(26)
                 
Other liabilities
   
(5)
                         
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
                       
                         
Foreign exchange contracts
$
3,023
 
Other current assets
 
$
4
 
Other accrued liabilities
 
$
(100)
       
Other current assets
       
Other liabilities
   
(30)
                         
Total derivatives
$
3,746
     
$
7
     
$
(161)

     
Asset derivatives
 
Liability derivatives
As of December 31, 2009
Notional
amount
 
Balance sheet
location
 
Fair
value
 
Balance sheet
location
 
Fair
value
                         
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
                       
                         
Foreign exchange contracts
$
424
 
Other current assets
 
$
17
 
Other accrued liabilities
 
$
(1)
                         
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
                       
                         
Foreign exchange contracts
$
1,540
 
Other current assets
 
$
36
 
Other accrued liabilities
 
$
(13)
                         
Total derivatives
$
1,964
     
$
53
     
$
(14)


 
25



The following table summarizes the effect of derivative financial instruments on Corning’s consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 (in millions):
   
Gain/(loss) recognized
in OCI
 
Gain/(loss) reclassified from
accumulated OCI
 
Gain/(loss) related to ineffectiveness
Derivatives in hedging relationships
 
Three
months
ended
 
Nine
months
ended
 
Location
 
Three
months
ended
 
Nine
months
ended
 
Location
 
Three
months
ended
 
Nine
months
ended
 
September 30,
2010
   
September 30,
2010
   
September 30,
2010
                                 
Cash flow hedges
                               
           
Cost of sales
 
$  2 
 
$  7 
           
                                 
Foreign exchange contracts
 
$ (34)
 
$ (40)
 
Royalties
 
$ (8)
 
$ (4)
 
Other income, net
 
$ 0
 
$ 0
                                 
Total cash flow hedges
 
$ (34)
 
$ (40)
     
$ (6)
 
$  3 
     
$ 0
 
$ 0
                                 
Net investment hedges
                               
Foreign denominated debt
 
$    0 
 
$    2  
                       
                                 
Total net investment hedges
 
$    0 
 
$    2  
                       
                                 
           
Gain/(loss) recognized in income
           
               
Three
months
ended
 
Nine
months
ended
           
Undesignated derivatives
         
Location
 
September 30,
2010
           
                                 
Foreign exchange contracts
         
Other income, net
 
$ (97)
 
$ (197)
           
                                 
Total undesignated
             
$ (97)
 
$ (197)
           


 
26


The following table summarizes the effect of derivative financial instruments on Corning’s consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 (in millions):
   
Gain/(loss) recognized
in OCI
 
Gain/(loss) reclassified from
accumulated OCI
 
Gain/(loss) related to ineffectiveness
Derivatives in hedging relationships
 
Three
months
ended
 
Nine
months
ended
 
Location
 
Three
months
ended
 
Nine
months
ended
 
Location
 
Three
months
ended
 
Nine
months
ended
 
September 30,
2009
   
September 30,
2009
   
September 30,
2009
                                 
Cash flow hedges
                               
           
Cost of sales
 
$  1   
 
$    1   
           
                                 
Foreign exchange contracts
 
$ (2)
 
$ 7
 
Royalties
 
(5)  
 
(32)  
 
Other income, net
 
$ 0
 
$ (1)
                                 
Total cash flow hedges
 
$ (2)
 
$ 7
     
$ (4)  
 
$ (31)  
     
$ 0
 
$ (1)
                                 
Net investment hedges
                               
Foreign denominated debt
 
$ 2
 
$ 2
                       
                                 
Total net investment hedges
 
$ 2
 
$ 2
                       
                                 
           
Gain(loss) recognized in income
           
               
Three
months
ended
 
Nine
months
ended
           
Undesignated derivatives
         
Location
 
September 30,
2009
           
                                 
Foreign exchange contracts
         
Other income, net
 
$ (81)
 
$ (34)
           
                                 
Total undesignated
             
$ (81)
 
$ (34)
           

16.      Fair Value Measurements

Fair value standards under U.S. GAAP define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value in applying generally accepted accounting principles, and require disclosures about fair value measurements.  The standards also identify two kinds of inputs that are used to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities: observable and unobservable.  Observable inputs are based on market data or independent sources while unobservable inputs are based on the Company’s own market assumptions.  Once inputs have been characterized, the inputs are prioritized into one of three broad levels (provided in the table below) used to measure fair value.

Fair value standards apply whenever an entity is measuring fair value under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurement and require the use of observable market data when available.  As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company did not have any financial assets or liabilities that were measured using unobservable (or Level 3) inputs.

 
27



The following tables provide fair value measurement information for the Company’s major categories of financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis (in millions):
     
Fair value measurements at reporting date using
 
September 30,
2010
 
Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
Assets
               
Short-term investments
$ 1,727
 
$ 1,711
 
     $  16 (2)
     
Other assets
$      44
     
$  44
     
Derivatives (1)
$        7
     
$    7
     
                 
Liabilities
               
Derivatives (1)
$    161
     
$ 161
     

(1)
Derivative assets and liabilities include foreign exchange contracts that are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities.
(2)
Short-term investments are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets.

     
Fair value measurements at reporting date using
 
December 31,
2009
 
Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
Assets
               
Short-term investments
$ 1,042
 
$ 969
 
     $ 73 (2)
     
Other assets
$      42
     
$ 42
     
Derivatives (1)
$      53
     
$ 53
     
                 
Liabilities
               
Derivatives (1)
$      14
     
$ 14
     

(1)
Derivative assets and liabilities include foreign exchange contracts that are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities.
(2)
Short-term investments are measured using observable quoted prices for similar assets.

17.      Share-based Compensation

Stock Compensation Plans

The Company measures and recognizes compensation cost for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including grants of employee stock options and employee stock purchases related to the Worldwide Employee Share Purchase Plan (WESPP), based on estimated fair values.  Fair values for stock options granted prior to January 1, 2010 were estimated using a lattice-based binomial valuation model.  In 2010, Corning began estimating fair values for stock options granted using a multiple-point Black-Scholes model.  Both models incorporate the required assumptions and meet the fair value measurement objective under U.S. GAAP.

Share-based compensation cost was approximately $22 million and $30 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and approximately $77 million and $97 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Amounts for all periods presented included (1) employee stock options, (2) time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units, and (3) performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units.  On February 3, 2010, Corning’s Board of Directors approved the recommendation to terminate on-going WESPP contributions effective March 31, 2010.  Compensation expense for the WESPP is included in periods ended prior to April 1, 2010.

 
28



Stock Options

Our Stock Option Plans provide non-qualified and incentive stock options to purchase authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares at the market price on the grant date and generally become exercisable in installments from one to five years from the grant date.  The maximum term of non-qualified and incentive stock options is 10 years from the grant date.

The following table summarizes information concerning options outstanding including the related transactions under the Stock Option Plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2010:
 
Number
of Shares
(in thousands)
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term in
Years
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands)
Options Outstanding as of December 31, 2009
92,504 
 
$25.83
 
4.48
 
$425,427
Granted
5,604
 
$18.52
       
Exercised
(4,579)
 
$  9.22
       
Forfeited and Expired
(9,902)
 
$66.52
       
Options Outstanding as of September 30, 2010
83,627  
 
$21.44
 
4.54
 
$375,067
Options Exercisable as of September 30, 2010
66,439  
 
$23.09
 
3.56
 
$298,265

The aggregate intrinsic value (market value of stock less option exercise price) in the preceding table represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing stock price on September 30, 2010, which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date.

As of September 30, 2010, there was approximately $36 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted under the Plans.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2 years.  Compensation cost related to stock options was approximately $12 million and $15 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and approximately $41 million and $50 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Proceeds received from the exercise of stock options were $10 million and $4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $39 million and $8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Proceeds received from the exercise of stock options were included in financing activities on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $9 million and $4 million, respectively, and $41 million and $9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, which is currently deductible for tax purposes.  However, these tax benefits were not realized due to net operating loss carryforwards available to the Company.  Refer to Note 5 (Income Taxes) to the consolidated financial statements.

Corning used a binomial lattice model to estimate the fair values of stock option grants through December 31, 2009.  Effective January 1, 2010, Corning began using a multiple point Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair value of stock option grants.  The financial impact of the change in valuation models is insignificant.

 
29



The following inputs were used for the valuation of option grants under our Stock Option Plans:
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
Expected volatility
49%
 
40-58%
 
48-49%
 
40-60%
Weighted-average volatility
49%
 
55%
 
49%
 
55%
Expected dividends
1.15%
 
1.56%
 
1.15-1.40%
 
1.40-1.56%
Risk-free rate
1.5-1.9%
 
0.2-5.6%
 
1.5-3.2%
 
0.1-5.6%
Average risk-free rate
1.9%
 
3.8%
 
1.9-3.2%
 
2.7-3.8%
Expected term (in years)
5.1-6.5
 
1.6-4.6
 
5.1-6.5
 
1.6-5.4
Expected time to exercise (in years)
   
1.4-2.7
     
1.4-2.7
Pre-vesting departure rate
1.4-3.6%
 
1.9-3.8%
 
1.4-3.6%
 
1.9-3.8%

For stock options granted in 2010, Corning utilized a blended approach for calculating the volatility assumption used in the multiple-point Black-Scholes model defined as the weighted average of the short-term implied volatility, the most recent volatility for the period equal to the expected term and the most recent 15-year historical volatility.  The expected term assumption is the period of time the options are expected to be outstanding, and is calculated using a combination of historical exercise experience adjusted to reflect the current vesting period of options being valued, and partial life cycles of outstanding options.  The risk-free rates used in the multiple-point Black-Scholes model are the implied rates for a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond with a term equal to the option’s expected term.  The ranges given above result from separate groups of employees exhibiting different exercise behavior.

For stock options granted in 2009, expected volatility was based on the blended short-term volatility (the arithmetic average of the implied volatility and the short-term historical volatility), and the most recent 15-year historical volatility of Corning’s stock.  The expected time to exercise of options granted in 2009 was derived using a regression model and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding.  The risk-free rates used in the lattice-based binomial model were derived from the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect from the grant date to the option’s expiration date.

Incentive Stock Plans

The Corning Incentive Stock Plan permits stock grants, either determined by specific performance goals or issued directly, subject to the possibility of forfeiture and without cash consideration.  Shares under the Incentive Stock Plan are generally granted “at the money”, contingently vest over a period of 1 to 10 years, and have contractual lives of 1 to 10 years.

The fair value of each restricted stock grant under the Incentive Stock Plans was estimated on the date of grant for performance based grants assuming that performance goals will be achieved.  The expected term for grants under the Incentive Stock Plans is 1 to 10 years.

Time-Based Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units:

Time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units are issued by the Company on a discretionary basis, and are payable in shares of the Company’s common stock upon vesting.  The fair value is based on the market price of the Company’s stock on the grant date.  Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite vesting period and adjusted for actual forfeitures before vesting.

 
30



The following table represents a summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units as of December 31, 2009, and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2010:
 
Shares
(000’s)
 
Weighted-
average
grant-date
fair value
Nonvested shares at December 31, 2009
3,880 
 
$18.59
Granted
244 
 
$18.79
Vested
(281)
 
$21.76
Forfeited
(9)
 
$17.82
Nonvested shares at September 30, 2010
3,834 
 
$18.09

As of September 30, 2010, there was approximately $29 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested time-based restricted stock compensation arrangements granted under the Plan.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.  Compensation cost related to time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units was approximately $7 million and $2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $22 million and $10 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Performance-Based Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units:

Performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units are earned upon the achievement of certain targets, and are payable in shares of the Company’s common stock upon vesting, typically over a three-year period.  The fair value is based on the market price of the Company’s stock on the grant date and assumes that the target payout level will be achieved.  Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite vesting period and adjusted for actual forfeitures before vesting.  During the performance period, compensation cost may be adjusted based on changes in the expected outcome of the performance-related target.

The following table represents a summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units as of December 31, 2009, and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2010:
 
Shares
(000’s)
 
Weighted-
average
grant-date
fair value
Nonvested restricted stock and restricted stock units at December 31, 2009
6,377 
 
$ 13.47
Granted
1,844 
 
$   8.67
Vested
(2,030)
 
$ 22.04
Forfeited
(87)
 
$   8.67
Nonvested restricted stock and restricted stock units at September 30, 2010
6,104 
 
$   9.24

As of September 30, 2010, there was approximately $13 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units compensation arrangements granted under the Plan.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.  Compensation cost related to performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units was approximately $3 million and $12 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $12 million and $34 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 
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Worldwide Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In addition to the Stock Option Plan and Incentive Stock Plans, Corning offered a Worldwide Employee Share Purchase Plan (WESPP).  Under the WESPP, substantially all employees could elect to have up to 10% of their annual wages withheld to purchase our common stock.  The purchase price of the stock was 85% of the end-of-quarter closing market price.  Compensation cost related to the WESPP for all periods presented is immaterial.

On February 3, 2010, Corning’s Board of Directors approved the recommendation to terminate on-going WESPP contributions effective March 31, 2010.

18.      Comprehensive Income

Components of comprehensive income on an after-tax basis, where applicable, follow (in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
                       
Net income
$
785 
 
$
648 
 
$
2,512 
 
$
1,274 
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes (1):
                     
Net change in unrealized losses on investment securities
 
   
20 
   
   
39 
Net change in unrealized (loss) gain on derivative hedging instruments
 
(16)
   
   
(25)
   
26 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
688 
   
530 
   
469 
   
313 
Net change in unrecognized postretirement benefit plan
 
14 
   
   
32 
   
(1)
Comprehensive income
$
1,473 
 
$
1,211 
 
$
2,995 
 
$
1,651 
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
       
(5)
   
   
(6)
Comprehensive income attributable to Corning
$
1,473 
 
$
1,206 
 
$
2,997 
 
$
1,645 

(1)
Other comprehensive income items for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 include net tax effects of $(1) million and $(12) million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 net tax effects of $(16) million and $(16) million, respectively.

19.      Significant Customers

For the three months ended September 30, 2010, Corning’s sales to each of the following two customers of the Display Technologies segment were equal to or greater than ten percent of the Company’s consolidated net sales: AU Optronics Corporation (AUO) and Sharp Electronics Corporation.  For the three months ended September 30, 2009, Corning’s sales to AUO were equal to or greater than ten percent of the Company’s consolidated net sales.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, Corning’s sales to each of the following three customers of the Display Technologies segment were equal to or greater than ten percent of the Company’s consolidated net sales:  AUO, Chimei Innolux Corporation, and Sharp Electronics Corporation.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, Corning’s sales to AUO were equal to or greater than ten percent of the Company’s consolidated net sales.

 
32



20.      Operating Segments

Our reportable operating segments are as follows:

·  
Display Technologies – manufactures liquid crystal display (LCD) glass for flat panel displays.
·  
Telecommunications – manufactures optical fiber and cable, and hardware and equipment components for the telecommunications industry.
·  
Environmental Technologies – manufactures ceramic substrates and filters for automotive and diesel applications.  This reportable operating segment is an aggregation of our Automotive and Diesel operating segments as these two segments share similar economic characteristics, products, customer types, production processes and distribution methods.
·  
Specialty Materials – manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals to meet demand for unique customer needs.
·  
Life Sciences – manufactures glass and plastic consumables for scientific applications.

All other operating segments that do not meet the quantitative threshold for separate reporting are grouped as “All Other.”  This group is primarily comprised of development projects and results for new product lines.

We prepared the financial results for our reportable segments on a basis that is consistent with the manner in which we internally disaggregate financial information to assist in making internal operating decisions.  We included the earnings of equity affiliates that are closely associated with our operating segments in the respective segment’s net income.  We have allocated certain common expenses among segments differently than we would for stand-alone financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Segment net income may not be consistent with measures used by other companies.  The accounting policies of our reportable segments are the same as those applied in the consolidated financial statements.

 
33



Operating Segments (in millions)

 
Display
Technologies
 
Telecom-
munications
 
Environmental
Technologies
 
Specialty
Materials
 
Life
Sciences
 
All
Other
 
Total
Three months ended September 30, 2010
                                       
Net sales
$
645 
 
$
464 
 
$
208 
 
$
159 
 
$
125 
 
$
 
$
1,602 
Depreciation (1)
$
129 
 
$
27 
 
$
26 
 
$
20 
 
$
 
$
 
$
213 
Amortization of purchased intangibles
                       
$
       
$
Research, development and engineering expenses (2)
$
22 
 
$
27 
 
$
24 
 
$
25 
 
$
 
$
24 
 
$
127 
Restructuring, impairment and other credits
     
$
(1)
                         
$
(1)
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies
$
386 
       
$
             
$
16 
 
$
403 
Income tax (provision) benefit
$
(108)
 
$
(20)
 
$
(5)
 
$
 
$
(7)
 
$
10 
 
$
(128)
Net income (loss) (3)
$
648 
 
$
41 
 
$
11 
 
$
(5)
 
$
13 
 
$
(12)
 
$
696 
                                         
Three months ended September 30, 2009
                                       
Net sales
$
679 
 
$
450 
 
$
167 
 
$
90 
 
$
92 
 
$
 
$
1,479 
Depreciation (1)
$
146 
 
$
35 
 
$
25 
 
$
13 
 
$
 
$
 
$
227 
Amortization of purchased intangibles
     
$
                         
$
Research, development and engineering expenses (2)
$
19 
 
$
21 
 
$
30 
 
$
17 
 
$
 
$
20 
 
$
110 
Restructuring, impairment and other (credits) charges
$
(5)
       
$
 
$
(1)
 
$
       
$
(2)
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies
$
317 
       
$
             
$
 
$
322 
Income tax (provision) benefit
$
(83)
 
$
(11)
 
$
 
$
 
$
(6)
 
$
 
$
(84)
Net income (loss) (3)
$
600 
 
$
21 
 
$
(4)
 
$
(11)
 
$
12 
 
$
(17)
 
$
601 
                                         
Nine months ended September 30, 2010
                                       
Net sales
$
2,261 
 
$
1,269 
 
$
584 
 
$
381 
 
$
368 
 
$
 
$
4,867 
Depreciation (1)
$
386 
 
$
89 
 
$
77 
 
$
43 
 
$
24 
 
$
 
$
628 
Amortization of purchased intangibles
     
$
             
$
       
$
Research, development and engineering expenses (2)
$
66 
 
$
84 
 
$
70 
 
$
61 
 
$
13 
 
$
80 
 
$
374 
Restructuring, impairment and other credits
       
(1)
       
$
(2)
             
$
(3)
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies
$
1,083 
 
$
 
$
             
$
32 
 
$
1,121 
Income tax (provision) benefit
$
(391)
 
$
(38)
 
$
(12)
 
$
14 
 
$
(24)
 
$
34 
 
$
(417)
Net income (loss) (3)
$
2,107 
 
$
79 
 
$
27 
 
$
(29)
 
$
48 
 
$
(46)
 
$
2,186 
                                         
Nine months ended September 30, 2009
                                       
Net sales
$
1,709 
 
$
1,272 
 
$
409 
 
$
221 
 
$
249 
 
$
 
$
3,863 
Depreciation (1)
$
359 
 
$
99 
 
$
74 
 
$
35 
 
$
13 
 
$
 
$
589 
Amortization of purchased intangibles
     
$
                         
$
Research, development and engineering expenses (2)
$
60 
 
$
68 
 
$
87 
 
$
40 
 
$
 
$
90 
 
$
353 
Restructuring, impairment and other charges
$
29 
 
$
15 
 
$
22 
 
$
17 
 
$
 
$
 
$
95 
Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliated companies
$
781 
 
$
(4)
 
$
             
$
31 
 
$
814 
Income tax (provision) benefit
$
(184)
 
$
(24)
 
$
31 
 
$
25 
 
$
(14)
 
$
32 
 
$
(134)
Net income (loss) (3)
$
1,373 
 
$
38 
 
$
(57)
 
$
(48)
 
$
29 
 
$
(51)
 
$
1,284 

(1)
Depreciation expense for Corning’s reportable segments includes an allocation of depreciation of corporate property not specifically identifiable to a segment.
(2)
Research, development, and engineering expense includes direct project spending that is identifiable to a segment.
(3)
Many of Corning’s administrative and staff functions are performed on a centralized basis.  Where practicable, Corning charges these expenses to segments based upon the extent to which each business uses a centralized function.  Other staff functions, such as corporate finance, human resources and legal, are allocated to segments, primarily as a percentage of sales.

 
34



A reconciliation of reportable segment net income to consolidated net income follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
Net income of reportable segments
$
708 
 
$
618 
 
$
2,232 
 
$
1,335 
Non-reportable segments
 
(12)
   
(17)
   
(46)
   
(51)
Unallocated amounts:
                     
Net financing costs (1)
 
(47)
   
(35)
   
(137)
   
(86)
Stock-based compensation expense
 
(22)
   
(30)
   
(77)
   
(97)
Exploratory research
 
(15)
   
(15)
   
(44)
   
(46)
Corporate contributions
 
(7)
   
(8)
   
(26)
   
(23)
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies, net of impairments (2)
 
101 
   
96 
   
326 
   
160 
Asbestos settlement (3)
 
(6)
   
(6)
   
41 
   
(15)
Other corporate items (4)
 
85 
   
40 
   
245 
   
91 
Net income
$
785 
 
$
643 
 
$
2,514 
 
$
1,268 

(1)
Net financing costs include interest income, interest expense, and interest costs and investment gains associated with benefit plans.
(2)
Primarily represents the equity earnings of Dow Corning Corporation.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2010 equity earnings of affiliated companies, net of impairments, includes a credit of $21 million for our share of U.S. advanced energy manufacturing tax credits at Dow Corning Corporation.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2009, equity earnings of affiliated companies, net of impairments includes a charge of $29 million representing our share of restructuring charges at Dow Corning Corporation.
(3)
In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, Corning recorded a charge of $6 million and a net credit of $41 million, respectively, primarily reflecting the change in the terms of the proposed asbestos settlement.  In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, Corning recorded charges of $6 million and $15 million, respectively, to adjust the asbestos liability for the change in value of certain components of the Amended PCC Plan and the estimated liability for non-PCC asbestos claims.
(4)
In the three months ended September 30, 2010, Corning recorded a loss of $30 million ($19 million after-tax) from the repurchase of $126 million principal amount of our 6.2% senior unsecured notes due March 15, 2016 and $100 million principal amount of our 5.9% senior unsecured notes due March 15, 2014.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2010, other corporate items included a tax charge of $56 million from the reversal of the deferred tax asset associated with a Medicare subsidy.  In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, other corporate items included $12 million ($8 million after-tax) and $80 million ($52 million after-tax) of restructuring charges, respectively.

In the Display Technologies operating segment, assets increased from $8.7 billion at December 31, 2009 to $9.9 billion at September 30, 2010.  This is due primarily to capital expenditures of $200 million and unremitted equity earnings in associated companies of $1 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

The sales of each of our reportable operating segments are concentrated across a relatively small number of customers.  In the third quarter of 2010, the following number of customers, which individually accounted for 10% or more of each segment’s sales, represented the following concentration of segment sales:

·  
In the Display Technologies segment, three customers accounted for 72% of total segment sales.
·  
In the Telecommunications segment, one customer accounted for 15% of total segment sales.
·  
In the Environmental Technologies segment, three customers accounted for 86% of total segment sales.
·  
In the Specialty Materials segment, two customers accounted for 35% of total segment sales.
·  
In the Life Sciences segment, two customers accounted for 38% of total segment sales.

 
35



For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the following number of customers, which individually accounted for 10% or more of each segment’s sales, represented the following concentration of segment sales:

·  
In the Display Technologies segment, three customers accounted for 72% of total segment sales.
·  
In the Telecommunications segment, one customer accounted for 16% of total segment sales.
·  
In the Environmental Technologies segment, three customers accounted for 86% of total segment sales.
·  
In the Specialty Materials segment, three customers accounted for 41% of total segment sales.
·  
In the Life Sciences segment, two customers accounted for 39% of total segment sales.

A significant amount of specialized manufacturing capacity for our Display Technologies segment is concentrated in Asia.  It is at least reasonably possible that the use of a facility could be disrupted.  Due to the specialized nature of the assets, it would not be possible to find replacement capacity quickly.  Accordingly, loss of these facilities could produce a near-term severe impact to our display business and the Company as a whole.

 
36



ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ORGANIZATION OF INFORMATION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides a historical and prospective narrative on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.  The discussion includes the following sections:

·  
Overview
·  
Results of Operations
·  
Operating Segments
·  
Liquidity and Capital Resources
·  
Critical Accounting Estimates
·  
New Accounting Standards
·  
Environment
·  
Forward-Looking Statements

OVERVIEW

Operating results improved in all of our operating segments in the third quarter of 2010 when compared to the same period last year.  Despite a supply chain inventory correction in the LCD market, results in our Display Technologies segment were up slightly in the third quarter of 2010 compared to the third quarter of 2009 due to an increase in equity earnings from Samsung Corning Precision, our equity affiliate in Korea.  Strength in private network products sales drove higher results in our Telecommunications segment in the third quarter of 2010 when compared to the same period last year.  In addition, increased sales in our Environmental Technologies segment drove improved results in the third quarter of 2010 compared to the same period last year, reflecting global automotive industry improvements.  Results in our Specialty Materials segment were significantly higher in the third quarter of 2010 compared to the same period last year, driven by strong demand for CorningÒ GorillaÒ glass and our display optics and components products, while results in the Life Sciences segment were higher due primarily to the impact of an acquisition completed at the end of the third quarter of 2009.

In comparison to the second quarter of 2010, results were down in the third quarter of 2010, driven by lower sales in our Display Technologies segment, offset somewhat by strong performances in our Specialty Materials, Telecommunications and Environmental Technologies segments.  The supply chain correction in the third quarter of 2010 adversely impacted our Display Technologies segment when compared to strong sales levels in the second quarter of 2010.  Conversely, Specialty Materials segment results were up significantly in the third quarter of 2010, driven by robust demand for CorningÒ GorillaÒ glass, along with stronger results in the Telecommunications segment reflecting the strength in demand for our products used in fiber to the home applications.  Improved results in our Environmental Technologies segment were due to increased global demand in both the automotive and diesel businesses.

The Company’s year-to-date results reflected continued strength in all of our operating segments when compared to the same period last year.  In 2009, we experienced a weak first quarter following the global financial and economic disruption in 2008.  Results in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 included restructuring charges of $175 million for costs associated with workforce reductions in all of our operating segments as we scaled back manufacturing operations, curbed the rate of growth in research, development, and engineering expenses, reduced capital spending, and reduced operating costs.  In the second quarter of last year, we began to see improved sales in some of our operating segments as the impact of the global recession on those businesses began to recede.

Our key priorities for 2010 remain similar to those from the previous five years:  protect our financial health and invest in the future.  During the third quarter of 2010, we made the following progress toward these priorities:

 
37



Protecting Financial Health
Our balance sheet remains strong, and we generated positive cash flow from operating activities:
·  
Our debt to capital ratio of 12% at September 30, 2010 is up from 11% reported at December 31, 2009.
·  
Operating cash flow in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $1,743 million.
·  
We ended the third quarter of 2010 with $5.0 billion of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments compared to $3.6 billion at December 31, 2009, and well above our debt balance of $2.4 billion.

In the third quarter of 2010, we generated net income of $785 million or $0.50 per share, compared to net income of $643 million or $0.41 per share for the same period in 2009.  When compared to the same period last year, the increase in net income in the third quarter of 2010 was due largely to an increase in equity earnings from Samsung Corning Precision, our equity affiliate in Korea, along with higher net income in our Environmental Technologies and Telecommunications segments.  Net income in the third quarter of 2010 was also favorably impacted by $42 million from movements in foreign exchange rates, when compared to the same period last year.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we reported net income of $2.5 billion or $1.59 per share compared to net income of $1.3 billion or $0.81 per share for the same period last year.  This improvement was due primarily to higher net income in our Display and Environmental Technologies segments, the absence of restructuring charges that totaled $175 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and a change in our effective tax rate resulting from a decision to repatriate current year earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries.  Net income in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was favorably impacted by $161 million from movements in foreign exchange rates, when compared to the same period last year.

Investing In Our Future
We continue to focus on the future and on what we do best – creating and making keystone components that enable high-technology systems.  Our spending levels for research, development and engineering increased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the same periods last year, as we remain committed to investing in research, development, and engineering to drive innovation.  We continue to work on technologies for glass substrates for active matrix LCDs, diesel filters and substrates in response to tightening emissions control standards, and the optical fiber and cable, and hardware and equipment that enable fiber-to-the-premises.  In 2010, we are broadening our innovation strategy to include a focus on opportunities that are adjacent or closely related to our existing capabilities.  These opportunities, which include products such as Corning® Gorilla® glass for consumer products and thin-film photovoltaics for solar applications, leverage existing materials or manufacturing processes with slight modifications.  While continuing to make investments in these promising technologies, subsequent to the third quarter of 2010, we decided to discontinue our development and commercialization of synthetic green laser technologies.

Capital spending totaled $534 million and $727 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Spending in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was driven primarily by projects in our Display Technologies segment.

In the third quarter of 2010, we announced multi-year investment plans for additional manufacturing capacity that will benefit a number of our segments.  The plans include $800 million for spending associated with a new LCD glass substrate facility in the People’s Republic of China to meet expected growing demand for our  LCD glass.  Spending for this facility began in September of this year and we expect production to begin in 2012.  Additional investments will include construction projects in other regions to expand capacity for Eagle XGÒ LCD glass substrates and will benefit our Specialty Materials segment by providing capacity for increased demand of Corning® Gorillaâ glass.  The plans also include spending in the Environmental Technologies segment to expand its existing automotive substrate facilities in Shanghai, China and Kaiserslautern, Germany.  Additionally, the plans establish a Life Sciences manufacturing and distribution facility in the Yangtze River Delta in China.  These facilities are expected to be operational in 2011 and 2012.  We  expect our 2010 capital spending to be about $1 billion, which is $200 million lower than we estimated at the end of the prior quarter.  Approximately $400 million to $500 million will be directed toward our Display Technologies segment in 2010.

 
38



Corporate Outlook
We expect to continue to generate significant positive cash flow from operations due to improved performance of our Display Technologies segment and potentially higher dividends from equity affiliates.  We will continue to focus on protecting our financial health, controlling our costs, and accelerating new products, while maintaining our emphasis on research and development investments for longer term growth.  We may take advantage of acquisition opportunities that support the long-term strategies of our businesses.  We remain confident that our strategy to grow through global innovation, while preserving our financial stability, will enable our continued long-term success.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Selected highlights for the third quarter follow (dollars in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
%
change
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
%
change
 
2010
 
2009
 
10 vs. 09
 
2010
 
2009
 
10 vs. 09
                               
Net sales
$
1,602
 
$
1,479
 
8%
 
$
4,867
 
$
3,863
 
26%
                               
Gross margin
$
724
 
$
599
 
21%
 
$
2,282
 
$
1,444
 
58%
(gross margin %)
 
45%
   
41%
       
47%
   
37%
   
                               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$
250
 
$
219
 
14%
 
$
731
 
$
637
 
15%
(as a % of net sales)
 
16%
   
15%
       
15%
   
16%
   
                               
Research, development and engineering expenses
$
148
 
$
131
 
13%
 
$
437
 
$
418
 
5%
(as a % of net sales)
 
9%
   
9%
       
9%
   
11%
   
                               
Restructuring, impairment and other (credits) charges
$
(1)
 
$
10
 
(110)%
 
$
(3)
 
$
175
 
(102)%
(as a % of net sales)
       
1%
             
5%
   
                               
Asbestos litigation charge (credit)
$
6
 
$
6
 
*  
 
$
(41)
 
$
15
 
*  
(as a % of net sales)
                 
(1)%
         
                               
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies
$
504
 
$
418
 
21%
 
$
1,447
 
$
974
 
49%
(as a % of net sales)
 
31%
   
28%
       
30%
   
25%
   
                               
Income before income taxes
$
799
 
$
675
 
18%
 
$
2,656
 
$
1,230
 
116%
(as a % of net sales)
 
50%
   
46%
       
55%
   
32%
   
                               
(Provision) benefit for income taxes
$
(14)
 
$
(32)
 
(56)%
 
$
(142)
 
$
38
 
*  
(as a % of net sales)
 
(1)%
   
(2)%
       
(3)%
   
1%
   
                               
Net income attributable to Corning Incorporated
$
785
 
$
643
 
22%
 
$
2,514
 
$
1,268
 
98%
(as a % of net sales)
 
49%
   
43%
       
52%
   
33%
   

*
The percentage change calculation is not meaningful.

 
39



Net Sales
For the three months ended September 30, 2010, net sales increased in all of our segments except the Display Technologies segment, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, net sales increased in all of our segments, when compared to the same periods in 2009.  In the third quarter of 2010, the net sales increase was largely due to the impact of higher volumes in the Specialty Materials and Environmental Technologies segments when compared to the same period last year.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, net sales were favorably impacted by approximately $36 million and $112 million, respectively, from movements in foreign exchange rates.

Cost of Sales
The types of expenses included in the cost of sales line item are: raw materials consumption, including direct and indirect materials; salaries, wages and benefits; depreciation and amortization; production utilities; production-related purchasing; warehousing (including receiving and inspection); repairs and maintenance; inter-location inventory transfer costs; production and warehousing facility property insurance; rent for production facilities; and other production overhead.

Gross Margin
As a percentage of net sales, gross margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased somewhat when compared to the same periods last year, due primarily to the impact of higher volume in the majority of our segments, cost reduction efforts and improvements in manufacturing performance.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, selling, general, and administrative expenses increased by $31 million and $94 million, respectively, due primarily to higher compensation-related costs when compared to the same period last year, offset somewhat by the impact of cost reduction efforts.  As a percentage of net sales, these expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were down significantly when compared to the same period last year due to the increase in net sales and the favorable impact of restructuring actions in 2009, offset somewhat by higher compensation-related costs.

The types of expenses included in the selling, general and administrative expenses line item are: salaries, wages and benefits; stock-based compensation expense; travel; sales commissions; professional fees; depreciation and amortization, utilities, and rent for administrative facilities.

Research, Development and Engineering Expenses
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, research, development and engineering expenses increased by only $17 million and $19 million, respectively, when compared to the same periods last year.  As a percentage of net sales, research, development and engineering expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, were substantially lower when compared to the same period in 2009, primarily due to the increase in net sales.

Corning’s research, development and engineering expenses are currently focused on our Display Technologies, Environmental Technologies and Telecommunications segments as we strive to capitalize on growth opportunities in those segments.  Excluding these segments, the largest driver of spending continues to be for adjacent products such as Corning® Gorilla® glass, and baseline research for new business development.

Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges (Credits)
In the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recorded charges of $175 million for a corporate-wide restructuring plan to reduce our global workforce.  The charges included costs for severance, special termination benefits, outplacement services, and the impact of a $30 million curtailment loss for postretirement benefits.  Total cash expenditures associated with these actions are expected to be approximately $110 million, with the majority of spending completed by the end of 2010.  We estimated annualized savings from these actions to be about $200 million, which have been reflected largely in cost of sales and selling, general, and administrative expenses.

 
40



Asbestos Litigation
In the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, we recorded an increase to our asbestos settlement liability of $6 million in both periods.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we recorded a $41 million decrease to our asbestos settlement liability compared to an increase of $15 million for the same period last year.  The net decrease in the asbestos settlement liability in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was due to a change in the terms of the proposed settlement that reduced the amount of cash expected to be contributed to the settlement.  For additional information on this matter, refer to Note 3 (Commitments and Contingencies) to the consolidated financial statements and Part II – Other Information, Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

Equity in Earnings of Affiliated Companies
The following provides a summary of equity in earnings of affiliated companies (in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
Samsung Corning Precision
$
394
 
$
316
 
$
1,102
 
$
797
Dow Corning Corporation
 
97
   
92
   
320
   
154
All other
 
13
   
10
   
25
   
23
Total equity earnings
$
504
 
$
418
 
$
1,447
 
$
974

When compared to the same period last year, equity earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2010, primarily reflected increased volume at Samsung Corning Precision.  Equity earnings for Samsung Corning Precision are explained more fully in the discussion of the performance of our Display Technologies segment.  Sales at Dow Corning in the third quarter of 2010 were up when compared to the same period last year, reflecting strength in Dow Corning’s traditional silicone products and improved volume at Hemlock Semiconductor.

In addition to the items described above, equity earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, were also positively impacted by the following items:
·  
The absence of restructuring charges at Dow Corning.  In the first quarter of 2009 equity earnings from Dow Corning included $29 million for our share of costs associated with Dow Corning’s global workforce reduction.
·  
The impact of advanced energy manufacturing tax credits approved by the U.S. government for Dow Corning’s manufacturing expansion projects that support the solar industry.  Corning’s share of these credits was $21 million in 2010.

Equity earnings for Samsung Corning Precision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were favorably impacted by $35 million and $59 million, respectively, from movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to the same periods last year.  Equity earnings for Dow Corning for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were not significantly impacted from movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to the same periods last year.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, we expect equity earnings to be down slightly when compared to the third quarter of 2010.

Other Income, Net
“Other income, net” in Corning’s consolidated statements of income includes the following (in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
Royalty income from Samsung Corning Precision
$
73 
 
$
62 
 
$
204 
 
$
165 
Foreign currency exchange and hedge losses, net
 
(32)
   
(12)
   
(20)
   
(47)
Loss on retirement of debt
 
(30)
         
(30)
     
Net loss/(income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
       
(5)
   
   
(6)
Other, net
 
(9)
   
   
(25)
   
(3)
Total
$
 
$
48 
 
$
131 
 
$
109 


 
41



Income Before Income Taxes
Income before income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, was positively impacted by $43 million and $163 million, respectively, due to movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to the same period last year.

(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes
Our provision for income taxes and the related effective income tax rates were as follows (in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
                       
(Provision) benefit for income taxes
$
(14)  
 
$
     (32) 
 
$
(142)  
 
$
38    
Effective tax rate
 
1.8%
   
     4.7%
   
5.3%
   
(3.1)%

For the three months ended September 30, 2010, the effective income tax rate differed from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the following items:
·  
Rate differences on income/(losses) of consolidated foreign companies;
·  
The impact of equity in earnings of affiliated companies;
·  
The benefit of tax holidays and investment credits in foreign jurisdictions;
·  
The benefit of excess foreign tax credits from repatriation of current year earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries; and
·  
The impact of discrete items, including a $30 million loss from early redemption of debt.  Refer to Note 4 (Debt) for additional information about our debt redemption loss.  Discrete items decreased our effective tax rate by 0.6 percentage points.

In addition to the items noted above, the tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, reflected the impact of discrete items, including a $56 million charge from the reversal of the deferred tax asset associated with a subsidy for certain retiree medical benefits.  Discrete items in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased our effective tax rate by 2.5 percentage points.

For the three months ended September 30, 2009, the effective income tax rate differed from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the following items:
·  
Rate differences on income/ (losses) of consolidated foreign companies;
·  
The impact of equity in earnings of affiliated companies;
·  
The benefit of tax holidays and investment credits in foreign jurisdictions; and
·  
The impact of discrete items, including a restructuring charge of $10 million.  Refer to Note 2 (Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges (Credits)) for additional information about our restructuring charge.  Discrete items decreased our effective tax rate by 2.5 percentage points.

In addition to the items noted above, the tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, reflected the impact of discrete items, including a restructuring charge of $175 million.  Discrete items decreased our effective rate by 7.4 percentage points.

Refer to Note 5 (Income Taxes) to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

 
42



Net Income Attributable to Corning Incorporated
As a result of the above, our net income and per share data is as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
Net income attributable to Corning Incorporated
$
785
 
$
643
 
$
2,514
 
$
1,268
Basic earnings per common share
$
0.50
 
$
0.41
 
$
1.61
 
$
0.82
Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.50
 
$
0.41
 
$
1.59
 
$
0.81
Shares used in computing per share amounts
                     
Basic earnings per common share
 
1,557
   
1,550
   
1,558
   
1,549
Diluted earnings per common share
 
1,580
   
1,569
   
1,581
   
1,565

OPERATING SEGMENTS

Our reportable operating segments are as follows:

·  
Display Technologies – manufactures liquid crystal display glass for flat panel displays.
·  
Telecommunications – manufactures optical fiber and cable, and hardware and equipment components for the telecommunications industry.
·  
Environmental Technologies – manufactures ceramic substrates and filters for automotive and diesel applications.  This reportable operating segment is an aggregation of our Automotive and Diesel operating segments, as these two segments share similar economic characteristics, products, customer types, production processes and distribution methods.
·  
Specialty Materials – manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals to meet demand for unique customer needs.
·  
Life Sciences – manufactures glass and plastic consumables for scientific applications.

All other operating segments that do not meet the quantitative threshold for separate reporting are grouped as “All Other.”  This group is primarily comprised of development projects and results for new product lines.

We prepared the financial results for our reportable segments on a basis that is consistent with the manner in which we internally disaggregate financial information to assist in making internal operating decisions.  We included the earnings of equity affiliates that are closely associated with our operating segments in the respective segment’s net income.  We have allocated certain common expenses among segments differently than we would for stand-alone financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Segment net income may not be consistent with measures used by other companies.  The accounting policies of our reportable segments are the same as those applied in the consolidated financial statements.

Display Technologies
The following table provides net sales and other data for the Display Technologies segment (in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
%
change
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
%
change
 
2010
 
2009
 
10 vs. 09
 
2010
 
2009
 
10 vs. 09
                               
Net sales
$
645
 
$
679
 
(5)%
 
$
2,261
 
$
1,709
 
32%
Equity earnings of affiliated companies
$
386
 
$
317
 
 22%
 
$
1,083
 
$
781
 
39%
Net income
$
648
 
$
600
 
  8%
 
$
2,107
 
$
1,373
 
53%


 
43



The decrease in net sales in the third quarter of 2010 compared to the same period last year reflected a 5% volume decrease coupled with price declines of 8%.  We believe the volume decline is a result of an inventory correction in the supply chain.  Net sales in the third quarter of 2010 included the favorable impact of $53 million from movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to the third quarter of 2009.

The increase in net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 reflected an increase in volume of 34%, offset somewhat by price declines of 7% when compared to the same period last year.  Volume gains in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were a result of the strong demand for LCD glass experienced in the first half of 2010, driven by strength in consumer demand for LCD televisions and a replenishment of this industry’s supply chain.  Net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 included the favorable impact of $136 million from movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to the same period last year.

When compared to the third quarter of last year, the increase in net income in the third quarter of 2010 primarily reflects the impact of volume increases at Samsung Corning Precision and the absence of costs associated with the August, 2009 earthquake that impacted our Shizuoka, Japan facility, offset by price declines and lower volume at our wholly-owned business.  When compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the increase in net income was due to volume increases described above and the absence of restructuring charges.  Net income of this segment in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 included $29 million of restructuring charges associated with a corporate-wide restructuring plan.  Net income also included royalty income from Samsung Corning Precision that was higher in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, when compared to the same periods last year, reflecting the improvements in sales volume at Samsung Corning Precision.  A number of Corning’s patents and know-how are licensed to Samsung Corning Precision, as well as to third parties, generating royalty income.  Refer to Note 9 (Investments) to the consolidated financial statements for more information about related party transactions.  Net income in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 includes the favorable impact of $55 million and $134 million, respectively, from movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to the same periods last year.

When compared to same period last year, equity earnings in the third quarter of 2010 from Samsung Corning Precision, our equity affiliate in Korea, reflected volume increases of 14%, offset somewhat by price declines of 6%.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2010, equity earnings from Samsung Corning Precision reflected volume increases of 27%, offset somewhat by price declines of 5%.

The economic recession, the corresponding rebound and the more recent supply chain inventory correction have had a greater impact on our wholly-owned business in Taiwan than on Samsung Corning Precision.  Since Taiwanese panel makers do not have strong brand recognition, we believe they are the first to experience supply chain contractions and slower to benefit from supply chain recoveries.

The Display Technologies segment has a concentrated customer base comprised of LCD panel and color filter makers primarily located in Japan and Taiwan.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 three customers of the Display Technologies segment which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment net sales, accounted for approximately 72% of total segment sales when combined.  Our customers face the same global economic dynamics as we do in this market.  We believe panel makers in Taiwan are more significantly impacted by economic downturns given their relative size, when compared to Korean panel makers who have a stronger presence in the end market for LCD products.  While we are not aware of any significant customer credit issues, our near-term sales and profitability would be impacted if any individual customers were unable to continue to purchase our products.

Samsung Corning Precision’s sales are also concentrated across a small number of its customers.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, sales to two LCD panel makers located in Korea accounted for 94% of Samsung Corning Precision sales.

 
44



In July 2010, we announced a multi-year capital expenditure plan to invest $800 million for a new manufacturing facility to produce LCD glass substrates in the People’s Republic of China.  Construction of the facility began in September of this year and is expected to be completed in 2012.

Outlook:
We anticipate worldwide glass market demand to be flat to down slightly in the fourth quarter when compared to the third quarter.  We expect the change in combined volume at our wholly-owned business and SCP to be in line with the movement in the market in the fourth quarter.  We expect sequential price declines in the fourth quarter of 2010 to be in the mid-single digit range at both our wholly-owned business and at Samsung Corning Precision.  This decline would be more than previous quarters and reflects pricing pressure caused by the current imbalance of glass supply and demand.

We believe that the long-term drivers of the LCD glass market, specifically increased penetration of LCD into the total television market, increased screen size and increased televisions per household, remain intact.

The end market demand for LCD televisions, monitors and notebooks is dependent on consumer retail spending, among other things.  We are cautious about the potential negative impacts that economic conditions, particularly global economic recession and world political tensions could have on consumer demand.  While the industry has grown rapidly in recent years, economic volatility, along with consumer preferences for panels of differing sizes, prices, or other factors may lead to pauses in market growth.  Therefore, it is possible that glass manufacturing capacity may exceed demand from time to time.  We may incur further charges in this segment to reduce our workforce and consolidate capacity.  In addition, changes in foreign exchange rates, principally the Japanese yen, will continue to impact the sales and profitability of this segment.

Telecommunications
The following table provides net sales and other data for the Telecommunications segment (in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
%
change
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
%
change
 
2010
 
2009
 
10 vs. 09
 
2010
 
2009
 
10 vs. 09
                               
Net sales:
                             
Optical fiber and cable
$
232
 
$
251
 
(8)%
 
$
649
 
$
678
 
(4)%
Hardware and equipment
 
232
   
199
 
17%
   
620
   
594
 
4%
Total net sales
$
464
 
$
450
 
3%
 
$
1,269
 
$
1,272
 
0%
                               
Net income
$
41
 
$
21
 
95%
 
$
79
 
$
38
 
108%

In the third quarter of 2010, net sales of the Telecommunications segment were up slightly from the same period last year, primarily due to higher sales of private network products, offset by lower sales of optical fiber and cable products in Asia and the absence of sales from two businesses that were sold in 2009.  Sales from these two businesses totaled $20 million in the third quarter of 2009.  Net sales in the third quarter of 2010 were negatively impacted by $7 million from movements in foreign exchange rates, when compared to the same period last year.

For the three months ended September 30, 2010, the increase in net income reflected the sales increase as described above along with manufacturing efficiency gains and the impact of cost reduction efforts.  Net income for the third quarter of 2010 includes the favorable impact of $2 million from movements in foreign exchange rates, when compared to the second quarter of last year.

When compared to the first nine months of 2009, net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 reflected a decrease in sales of fiber-to-the-premises products, lower sales of optical fiber and cable products in China, and the absence of sales from two businesses sold last year, offset by higher sales of private network products globally.  Sales from the two businesses sold in 2009 totaled $40 million in the first nine months of 2009.  Net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were negatively impacted by $7 million from movements in foreign exchange rates, when compared to the same period last year.

 
45



For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the increase in net income reflected the absence of restructuring charges from last year, volume strength in private network products, and the impact of cost reduction efforts.  Net income of this segment in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 included $15 million of restructuring charges associated with the Company’s corporate-wide restructuring plan to reduce its global workforce.  Net income in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 includes the favorable impact of $8 million from movements in foreign exchange rates, when compared to the same period last year.

The Telecommunications segment has a concentrated customer base.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, one customer of the Telecommunications segment represented approximately 15% and 16%, respectively, of total segment sales.

Outlook:
For the fourth quarter of 2010, we expect sales to be down approximately 10% when compared to the third quarter of 2010, consistent with historical fourth quarter declines.

Environmental Technologies
The following table provides net sales and other data for the Environmental Technologies reportable operating segment (in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
%
change
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
%
change
 
2010
 
2009
 
10 vs. 09
 
2010
 
2009
 
10 vs. 09
                               
Net sales:
                             
Automotive
$
119
 
$
103 
 
16%
 
$
345
 
$
252 
 
37%
Diesel
 
89
   
64 
 
39%
   
239
   
157 
 
52%
Total net sales
$
208
 
$
167 
 
25%
 
$
584
 
$
409 
 
43%
                               
Net income (loss)
$
11
 
$
(4)
 
*
 
$
27
 
$
(57)
 
*

* The percentage change calculation is not meaningful.

When compared to the previous year, the increase in net sales of this segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 resulted from higher sales volumes for both automotive and diesel products.  In the nine months ended September 2009, net sales of automotive products were negatively impacted by lower automotive production caused by the global recession and inventory reductions at manufacturers and on dealer lots.  We believe automobile inventories began returning to more normalized levels in the fourth quarter of 2009 and in 2010, resulting in increased volume for automotive products through the third quarter of 2010.  Net sales of diesel products in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were higher when compared to the same periods last year, reflecting stronger sales in Europe and a continued recovery in the freight industry due to improving economic conditions and implementation of governmental regulations.  Net sales in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 included the negative impact of $6 million from movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to the same periods last year.

Net income in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased due to higher sales volumes, cost reduction efforts, and improvements in manufacturing performance, offset somewhat by higher freight costs in both periods when compared to last year.  Net income in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 also reflected the absence of restructuring charges in comparison to the same period last year.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2009, net loss of this segment included $22 million of restructuring charges associated with the Company’s corporate-wide restructuring plan to reduce its global workforce in response to anticipated lower sales last year.  Net income in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 included the negative impact of $2 million and $5 million, respectively, from movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to the same periods last year.

 
46



The Environmental Technologies segment sells to a concentrated customer base of catalyzer and emission control systems manufacturers, who then sell to automotive and diesel engine manufacturers.  Although our sales are to the emission control systems manufacturers, the use of our substrates and filters is generally required by the specifications of the automotive and diesel engine manufacturers.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, three customers of the Environmental Technologies segment, which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment net sales, accounted for approximately 86% of total segment sales when combined.  While we are not aware of any significant customer credit issues with our direct customers, our near-term sales and profitability would be impacted if any individual customers were unable to continue to purchase our products.

Outlook:
In the fourth quarter of 2010, we expect sales to be even when compared to the third quarter, as growth in our diesel products offsets normal seasonal declines for automotive products.

Specialty Materials
The following table provides net sales and net loss for the Specialty Materials segment (in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
%
change
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
%
change
 
2010
 
2009
 
10 vs. 09
 
2010
 
2009
 
10 vs. 09
                               
Net sales
$
159 
 
$
90 
 
77%
 
$
381 
 
$
221 
 
72%
Net loss
$
(5)
 
$
(11)
 
*
 
$
(29)
 
$
(48)
 
*

* The percentage change calculation is not meaningful.

The Specialty Materials segment manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals to meet demand for unique customer needs.  Consequently, this segment operates in a wide variety of commercial and industrial markets that include display optics and components, semiconductor optics and components, aerospace and defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, and telecommunications components.

Net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased due primarily to higher sales of Corning® Gorilla® glass and an increase in sales of display components and semiconductor optics and components when compared to the same period last year.  Sales of Corning® Gorilla® glass have continued to increase as the Company moves to capitalize on market opportunities for this product, which is designed to function as a protective cover glass for high-end display devices such as notebook PCs, televisions and mobile phones.  Net sales in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 included the negative impact of $2 million from movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to the same periods last year.

For the third quarter of 2010, the decrease in net loss for this segment was primarily due to the higher sales volume, offset by costs associated with adding capacity for Corning® Gorilla® glass production for the TV cover glass market.  The lower net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 resulted from higher sales and the absence of restructuring charges that were offset somewhat by costs associated with adding capacity.  The net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 included $17 million of restructuring charges for the Company’s corporate-wide restructuring plan to reduce its global workforce in response to anticipated lower sales last year.  Movements in foreign exchange rates did not significantly impact the net loss of this segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, when compared to the same periods last year.

For the three months ended September 30, 2010, two customers of the Specialty Materials segment, which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment net sales, accounted for approximately 35% of total segment sales.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, three customers of the Specialty Materials segment, which individually accounted for more than 10% of segment sales, accounted for approximately 41% of total segment sales.

 
47



Outlook:
For the fourth quarter of 2010, we expect sales of this segment to increase by approximately 10% – 20% when compared to the third quarter of 2010, driven by increased sales of Corning® Gorilla® glass.

Life Sciences
The following table provides net sales and net income for the Life Sciences segment (in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
%
change
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
%
change
 
2010
 
2009
 
10 vs. 09
 
2010
 
2009
 
10 vs. 09
                               
Net sales
$
125
 
$
92
 
36%
 
$
368
 
$
249
 
48%
Net income
$
13
 
$
12
 
  8%
 
$
48
 
$
29
 
66%

Net sales in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased when compared to the same period last year due largely to sales from the acquisition of Axygen BioScience, Inc. (Axygen), which was completed in the third quarter of 2009.  The acquisition of Axygen supported the Company’s strategy to expand Corning’s portfolio of life sciences products and enhance global customer access in this business.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the increase in net income resulted primarily from higher sales as described above, offset somewhat by project costs and higher cost of materials.  Net income for the nine months ending September 30, 2010 also reflected the absence of restructuring charges when compared to the same period last year.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, net income of this segment included $8 million of restructuring charges associated with the Company’s corporate-wide restructuring plan.  Movements in foreign exchange rates did not significantly impact the net sales or net income for this operating segment.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, two customers of the Life Sciences segment, which individually accounted for more than 10% of net sales, accounted for 38% and 39%, respectively, of net sales when combined.

Outlook:
For the fourth quarter of 2010, we expect net sales to increase by approximately 5%, when compared to the third quarter of 2010, due to a small acquisition which was completed on October 1, 2010.

All Other
All other operating segments that do not meet the quantitative threshold for separate reporting have been grouped as “All Other.”  This group is primarily comprised of development projects and results for new product lines.

The following table provides net sales and net loss for All Other (in millions):
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
%
change
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
%
change
 
2010
 
2009
 
10 vs. 09
 
2010
 
2009
 
10 vs. 09
                               
Net sales
$
 
$
 
    0%
 
$
 
$
 
  33%
Research, development and engineering expenses
$
24 
 
$
20 
 
  20%
 
$
80 
 
$
90 
 
(11)%
Equity earnings of affiliated companies
$
16 
 
$
 
433%
 
$
32 
 
$
31 
 
     3%
Net loss
$
(12)
 
$
(17)
 
*
 
$
(46)
 
$
(51)
 
  * 

* The percentage change calculation is not meaningful.

 
48



This group is primarily comprised of development projects and results from new product lines.  This segment also includes results for certain corporate investments such as Samsung Corning Precision’s non-LCD glass businesses, the results of Corsam, an equity affiliate established between Corning and Samsung Corning Precision to provided glass technology research, and Eurokera, which manufactures smooth cook top glass/ceramic products.  Refer to Note 9 (Investments) for additional information about Samsung Corning Precision and related party transactions.

The decrease in this segment’s net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was largely due to an increase in equity earnings from Samsung Corning Precision’s non-LCD glass businesses, offset somewhat by higher operating expenses when compared to the previous year.  Net loss in the third quarter of 2010 was negatively impacted by $11 million from movements in foreign exchange rates, when compared to the same period last year.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the net loss of this segment decreased when compared to the first nine months of 2009 due to increase in equity earnings from Samsung Corning Precision’s non-LCD glass businesses, reduced operating expenses and the absence of restructuring charges.  The first nine months of 2009 included $4 million of restructuring charges.  Net loss of this segment in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was not significantly impacted by the movements in foreign exchange rates when compared to last year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Financing and Capital Structure
The following items impacted Corning’s financing and capital structure in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

·  
In the third quarter of 2010, we completed the following debt-related transactions:
 
o  
We issued $400 million of 5.75% senior unsecured notes that mature on August 15, 2040 and $300 million of 4.25% senior unsecured notes that mature on August 15, 2020.  The net proceeds of $689 million from the offering were used to fund the repurchase of debt securities and for general corporate purposes.
 
o  
We repurchased $126 million of our 6.2% senior unsecured notes due 2016 and $100 million of our 5.9% senior unsecured notes due 2014 and recognized a pre-tax loss of $30 million upon the early redemption of these notes.
·  
In the first quarter of 2010, we repaid $58 million of debt, which included the redemption of $48 million principal amount of our 6.25% notes due February 18, 2010.
·  
In the second quarter of 2009, we issued $250 million of 6.625% senior unsecured notes and $100 million of 7% senior unsecured notes that mature on May 15, 2019, and May 15, 2024, respectively.  The net proceeds of $346 million were used for general corporate purposes.
·  
In the first quarter of 2009, we recorded $141 million for the capital lease of a manufacturing facility associated with our Display Technologies segment.

Capital Spending
Capital spending totaled $534 million and $727 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Spending in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was driven primarily by projects in our Display Technologies segment.

In the third quarter of 2010, we announced multi-year investment plans for additional manufacturing capacity that will benefit a number of our segments.  The plans include $800 million for spending associated with a new LCD glass substrate facility in the People’s Republic of China to meet expected growing demand for our LCD glass.  Spending for this facility began in September of this year and we expect production to begin in 2012.  Additional investments will include construction projects in other regions to expand capacity for Eagle XGÒ LCD glass substrates and will benefit our Specialty Materials segment by providing capacity for increased demand of Corning® Gorillaâ glass.  The plans also include spending in the Environmental Technologies segment to expand its existing automotive substrate facilities in Shanghai, China and Kaiserslautern, Germany.  Additionally, the plans establish a Life Sciences manufacturing and distribution facility in the Yangtze River Delta in China.  These facilities are expected to be operational in 2011 and 2012.  We expect our 2010 capital spending to be about $1 billion, which is $200 million lower than we estimated at the end of the prior quarter.  Approximately $400 million to $500 million will be directed toward our Display Technologies segment in 2010.

 
49



Cash Flows

Summary of cash flow data (in millions):
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2010
 
2009
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
1,743 
 
$
1,164 
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(1,209)
 
$
(1,139)
Net cash provided by financing activities
$
173 
 
$
47 

Net cash provided by operating activities increased 50% in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the same period last year, due primarily to the significant increase in net income, offset somewhat by an increase in undistributed earnings of affiliated companies and the unfavorable impact of changes in working capital.

Net cash used in investing activities was higher in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the same period last year due to an increase in short term investments, offset by lower capital spending and the absence of the impact of the Axygen acquisition completed in the third quarter of 2009.  Capital spending in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was driven primarily by projects in our Display Technologies segment that were completed in 2008.

The increase in net cash from financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is largely due to proceeds received in the third quarter of 2010 from the issuance of $700 million face amount of new senior unsecured notes, offset by the repurchase of $226 million of our previously-issued senior unsecured notes.  Dividend payments were even in both periods presented.

Customer Deposits
Certain customers of our Display Technologies segment have entered into long-term supply agreements and agreed to make advance cash deposits to secure supply of large-size glass substrates.  The deposits are reduced through future product purchases, thus reducing operating cash flows in later periods as credits are applied for deposits received in earlier periods.  Between 2004 and 2007, we received a total of $937 million for customer deposit agreements.  We do not expect to receive additional deposits related to these agreements.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, we issued $76 million and $207 million, respectively, in credit memoranda.  Refer to Note 13 (Customer Deposits) to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges (Credits)
In the third quarter of 2009, we recorded a charge of $10 million, which was comprised of severance costs for a restructuring plan in the Environmental Technologies segment and asset disposal costs in other segments.  In the first quarter of 2009, we recorded a charge of $165 million associated with a corporate-wide restructuring plan to reduce our global workforce in response to anticipated lower sales in 2009.  The charge included costs for severance, special termination benefits, outplacement services, and the impact of a curtailment loss for postretirement benefits.  Total cash expenditures associated with these actions are expected to be approximately $110 million, with the majority of spending completed by the end of 2010.  Refer to Note 2 (Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges (Credits)) to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

 
50



Key Balance Sheet Data
Balance sheet and working capital measures are provided in the following table (dollars in millions):
 
As of
September 30,
2010
 
As of
December 31,
2009
           
Working capital
$
5,669
 
$
3,982
Working capital, excluding cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments
$
640
 
$
399
Current ratio
 
4.3:1
   
3.6:1
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances
$
854
 
$
753
Days sales outstanding
 
48
   
44
Inventories
$
712
 
$
579
Inventory turns
 
5.5
   
5.1
Days payable outstanding (1)
 
38
   
36
Long-term debt
$
2,390
 
$
1,930
Total debt to total capital
 
12%
   
11%

(1)
Includes trade payables only.

Credit Rating
Our credit ratings remain the same as those disclosed in our 2009 Form 10-K.  The Outlook includes updates by Fitch on May 17, 2010 and Moody’s on February 19, 2010:
RATING AGENCY
Last Update
 
Rating
Long-Term Debt
 
Outlook
         
Fitch
 
BBB+
 
Positive
May 17, 2010
       
         
Standard & Poor’s
 
BBB+
 
Stable
July 2, 2007
       
         
Moody’s
 
Baa1
 
Stable
February 19, 2010
       

Management Assessment of Liquidity
We ended the third quarter of 2010 with approximately $5.0 billion of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments.  The Company has adequate sources of liquidity and we are confident in our ability to generate cash to meet existing or reasonably likely future cash requirements.  Our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments are held in various locations throughout the world and are generally unrestricted.  At September 30, 2010, slightly more than half of the consolidated amount was held outside of the U.S.  Almost all of the amounts held outside the U.S. are available for repatriation, subject to relevant tax consequences.  We utilize a variety of tax planning and financing strategies in an effort to ensure that our worldwide cash is available in those locations where it is needed.  During the fourth quarter of 2010, we plan to repatriate to the U.S. approximately $1.1 billion of current year earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries.  We expect previously accumulated non-U.S. cash balances will remain outside of the U.S.  In addition to the current repatriation, we will meet U.S. liquidity needs through future cash flows, use of U.S. cash balances, external borrowings, or some combination of these sources.  In conjunction with our plan to repatriate cash to the U.S., we will temporarily borrow against our unsecured committed revolving line of credit in the fourth quarter of 2010.  Any amounts borrowed will be repaid by December 31, 2010.

 
51



Realized gains and losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were not significant.  Volatility in financial markets may limit Corning’s access to capital markets, constrain issuance amounts available to Corning, and result in terms and conditions that by historical comparisons are more restrictive and costly to Corning.  Still, from time to time, we may issue debt, the proceeds of which may be used to refinance certain debt maturities and for general corporate purposes.

We complete comprehensive reviews of our significant customers and their creditworthiness by analyzing their financial statements at least annually, or more frequently for customers where we have identified a measure of increased risk.  We closely monitor payments and developments that may signal possible customer credit issues.  We currently have not identified any potential material impact on our liquidity resulting from customer credit issues.

Our major source of funding for the remainder of 2010 and beyond will be our operating cash flow and our existing balances of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.  We believe we have sufficient liquidity for the next several years to fund operations, the asbestos litigation, research and development, capital expenditures, scheduled debt repayments, and dividend payments.  Corning also has access to a $1.1 billion unsecured committed revolving line of credit through November 2011.  This credit agreement includes two financial covenants: a leverage ratio and an interest coverage ratio.  At September 30, 2010, we were in compliance with both financial covenants.

The required leverage ratio, which measures debt to total capital, is a maximum of 50%.  At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, our leverage using this measure was 12% and 11%, respectively.  The required interest coverage ratio, which is an adjusted earnings measure as defined by our facility, compared to interest expense, is a ratio of at least 3.5 times.  At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, our interest coverage ratio using this measure was 27.9 times and 30.3 times, respectively.

Our debt instruments contain customary event of default provisions, which allow the lenders the option of accelerating all obligations upon the occurrence of certain events.  In addition, the majority of our debt instruments contain a cross default provision, whereby a default on one debt obligation of the Company in excess of a specified amount, also would be considered a default under the terms of another debt instrument.  As of September 30, 2010, we were in compliance with all such provisions.

Management is not aware of any known trends or any known demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that will result in or that are reasonably likely to result in a material increase or decrease in our liquidity.  In addition, other than items discussed, there are no known material trends, favorable or unfavorable, in our capital resources and no expected material changes in the mix and relative cost of such resources.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
There have been no material changes outside the ordinary course of business in our off balance sheet arrangements as disclosed in our 2009 Form 10-K under the caption “Off Balance Sheet Arrangements.”

Contractual Obligations
There have been no material changes outside the ordinary course of business in the contractual obligations disclosed in our 2009 Form 10-K under the caption “Contractual Obligations.”

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported therein.  The estimates that required management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments are described in our 2009 Form 10-K and remain unchanged through the third quarter of 2010.  For certain items, additional details are provided below.

 
52



Impairment of Assets Held for Use

We are required to assess the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets when an indicator of impairment has been identified.  We review our long-lived assets in each quarter in which impairment indicators are present.  We must exercise judgment in assessing whether an event of impairment has occurred.

Manufacturing equipment includes certain components of production equipment that are constructed of precious metals, primarily platinum and rhodium.  These metals are not depreciated because they have very low physical losses and are repeatedly reclaimed and reused in our manufacturing process over a very long useful life.  Precious metals are reviewed for impairment as part of our assessment of long-lived assets.  This review considers all of the Company’s precious metals which are either in place in the production process; in reclamation, fabrication, or refinement in anticipation of re-use; or awaiting use to support increased capacity.  Precious metals are only acquired to support our operations and are not held for trading or other purposes.

As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we have not identified any instances where the carrying values of our long-lived assets were not recoverable.  At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the fair market value of precious metals was higher than our carrying value by $330 million and $193 million, respectively.  Currently these precious metal assets, primarily in the Display Technologies segment, are recoverable as part of their asset groupings.  There is the potential for impairment in the future if negative events significantly decrease the cash flow of our segments.  Such events include, but are not limited to, a significant decrease in demand for products of our Display Technologies segment or a significant decrease in its profitability.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company has interests in certain unconsolidated entities.  These investments are evaluated periodically to determine if they qualify as variable interest entities and whether Corning is a primary beneficiary for any of those qualifying interests.  A variable interest entity (VIE) is an entity that lacks sufficient equity investment or in which the equity investors do not have certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest.  A company that absorbs a majority of the expected losses or receives a majority of the expected returns of a VIE is considered to be a primary beneficiary and must consolidate the VIE.  The determination of whether an entity is a VIE and if a company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE are complex areas that require judgments about items such as the sufficiency of the equity at risk, the evaluation of contractual arrangements, and assessments about forecasted information.  While management believes the assumptions used are appropriate, changes in these judgments or estimates could affect Corning’s results.

Effective January 1, 2010, the Company adopted required changes to consolidation guidance for variable interest entities which require an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity.  This analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity as the enterprise that has (1) the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity.  In addition, the required changes provide guidance on shared power and joint venture relationships, remove the scope exemption for qualified special purpose entities, revise the definition of a variable interest entity, and require additional disclosures.  The adoption of this standard was not material to Corning’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

For variable interest entities, we routinely assess the terms of our interest in each entity to determine if we are the primary beneficiary as prescribed by U.S. GAAP.  Corning leases certain transportation equipment from three Trusts that qualify as variable interest entities.  The sole purpose of these entities is to lease transportation equipment to Corning.  None of these entities is considered significant to Corning’s consolidated financial statements.

 
53



NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In October 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605):  Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements—a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (ASU 2009-13).  ASU 2009-13 addresses the accounting for sales arrangements that include multiple products or services by revising the criteria for when deliverables may be accounted for separately rather than as a combined unit.  Specifically, this guidance establishes a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable, which is necessary to separately account for each product or service.  This hierarchy provides more options for establishing selling price than did the previous guidance.  ASU 2009-13 is required to be applied prospectively to new or materially modified revenue arrangements in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010.  Early adoption is permitted.  Corning does not expect adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements (ASU 2010-6).  Corning adopted ASU 2010-06 effective January 1, 2010 except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, which are deferred until fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010.  Corning believes that the disclosures will not have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition when updated.

ENVIRONMENT

Corning has been named by the Environmental Protection Agency (the Agency) under the Superfund Act, or by state governments under similar state laws, as a potentially responsible party for 21 active hazardous waste sites.  Under the Superfund Act, all parties who may have contributed any waste to a hazardous waste site, identified by the Agency, are jointly and severally liable for the cost of cleanup unless the Agency agrees otherwise.  It is Corning’s policy to accrue for its estimated liability related to Superfund sites and other environmental liabilities related to property owned by Corning based on expert analysis and continual monitoring by both internal and external consultants.  At September 30, 2010, and December 31, 2009, Corning had accrued approximately $34 million (undiscounted) and $26 million (undiscounted), respectively, for the estimated liability for environmental cleanup and related litigation.  Based upon the information developed to date, management believes that the accrued reserve is a reasonable estimate of the Company’s liability and that the risk of an additional loss in an amount materially higher than that accrued is remote.


 
54



FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in reports subsequently filed by Corning with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Forms 8-K, and related comments by management that are not historical facts or information and contain words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “likely,” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual outcome to be materially different.  Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

-  
global business, financial, economic and political conditions;
-  
tariffs and import duties;
-  
currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and other currencies, primarily the Japanese yen, Euro, and Korean won;
-  
product demand and industry capacity;
-  
competitive products and pricing;
-  
availability and costs of critical components and materials;
-  
new product development and commercialization;
-  
order activity and demand from major customers;
-  
fluctuations in capital spending by customers;
-  
possible disruption in commercial activities due to terrorist activity, armed conflict, political or financial instability, natural disasters, or major health concerns;
-  
facility expansions and new plant start-up costs;
-  
effect of regulatory and legal developments;
-  
ability to pace capital spending to anticipated levels of customer demand;
-  
credit rating and ability to obtain financing and capital on commercially reasonable terms;
-  
adequacy and availability of insurance;
-  
financial risk management;
-  
acquisition and divestiture activities;
-  
rate of technology change;
-  
level of excess or obsolete inventory;
-  
ability to enforce patents;
-  
adverse litigation;
-  
product and components performance issues;
-  
retention of key personnel;
-  
stock price fluctuations;
-  
trends for the continued growth of the Company’s businesses;
-  
the ability of research and development projects to produce revenues in future periods;
-  
a downturn in demand or decline in growth rates for LCD glass substrates;
-  
customer ability, most notably in the Display Technologies segment, to maintain profitable operations and obtain financing to fund their manufacturing expansions and ongoing operations;
-  
loss of significant customers;
-  
fluctuations in supply chain inventory levels;
-  
equity company activities, principally at Dow Corning Corporation and Samsung Corning Precision;
-  
changes in tax laws and regulations;
-  
changes in accounting rules and standards;
-  
the potential impact of legislation, government regulations, and other government action;
-  
potential liability for losses not covered by, or in excess of, insurance;
-  
temporary idling of capacity;
-  
the ability to implement productivity, consolidation and cost reduction efforts and to realize anticipated benefits;
-  
restructuring actions and charges; and
-  
other risks detailed in Corning’s SEC filings.


 
55



ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


Market Risk Disclosures

As noted in our 2009 Form 10-K, we operate and conduct business in many foreign countries and as a result are exposed to fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and other currencies.  Volatility in the global financial markets could increase the volatility of foreign currency exchange rates which would, in turn, impact our sales and net income.  For a discussion of our exposure to market risk, refer to Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Part II, Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks, contained in our 2009 Form 10-K.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Corning carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of Corning’s management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Corning’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2010, the end of the period covered by this report.  Based upon the evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that Corning’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Corning in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.  Corning’s disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Corning in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to Corning’s management, including Corning’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or other persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

During the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2010, no change occurred in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


 
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Part II – Other Information

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Environmental Litigation.  Corning has been named by the Environmental Protection Agency (the Agency) under the Superfund Act, or by state governments under similar state laws, as a potentially responsible party for 21 active hazardous waste sites.  Under the Superfund Act, all parties who may have contributed any waste to a hazardous waste site, identified by such Agency, are jointly and severally liable for the cost of cleanup unless the Agency agrees otherwise.  It is Corning’s policy to accrue for its estimated liability related to Superfund sites and other environmental liabilities related to property owned by Corning based on expert analysis and continual monitoring by both internal and external consultants.  At September 30, 2010, Corning had accrued approximately $34 million (undiscounted) for its estimated liability for environmental cleanup and related litigation.  Based upon the information developed to date, management believes that the accrued reserve is a reasonable estimate of the Company’s liability and that the risk of an additional loss in an amount materially higher than that accrued is remote.

Dow Corning Bankruptcy.  Corning and Dow Chemical each own 50% of the common stock of Dow Corning.  In May 1995, Dow Corning filed for bankruptcy protection to address pending and claimed liabilities arising from many thousands of breast implant product lawsuits.  On June 1, 2004, Dow Corning emerged from Chapter 11 with a Plan of Reorganization (the Plan) which provided for the settlement or other resolution of implant claims.  The Plan also includes releases for Corning and Dow Chemical as shareholders in exchange for contributions to the Plan.

Under the terms of the Plan, Dow Corning has established and is funding a Settlement Trust and a Litigation Facility to provide a means for tort claimants to settle or litigate their claims.  Inclusive of insurance, Dow Corning has paid approximately $1.7 billion to the Settlement Trust.  As of September 30, 2010, Dow Corning had recorded a reserve for breast implant litigation of $1.6 billion and anticipates insurance receivables of $8 million.  As a separate matter arising from the bankruptcy proceedings, Dow Corning is defending claims asserted by a number of commercial creditors who claim additional interest at default rates and enforcement costs, during the period from May 1995 through June 2004.  As of September 30, 2010, Dow Corning has estimated the liability to commercial creditors to be within the range of $81 million to $264 million.  As Dow Corning management believes no single amount within the range appears to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range, Dow Corning has recorded the minimum liability within the range.  Should Dow Corning not prevail in this matter, Corning’s equity earnings would be reduced by its 50% share of the amount in excess of $81 million, net of applicable tax benefits.  In addition, the London Market Insurers (the LMI Claimants) have claimed a reimbursement right with respect to a portion of insurance proceeds previously paid by the LMI Claimants to Dow Corning.  This claim is based on a theory that the LMI Claimants overestimated Dow Corning’s liability for the resolution of implant claims pursuant to the Plan.  The LMI Claimants offered two calculations of their claim amount:  $54 million and $93 million, plus minimum interest of $67 million and $116 million, respectively.  These estimates were explicitly characterized as preliminary and subject to change.  Litigation regarding this claim is in the discovery stage.  Dow Corning disputes the claim and is unable to reasonably estimate any potential liability.  There are a number of other claims in the bankruptcy proceedings against Dow Corning awaiting resolution by the U.S. District Court, and it is reasonably possible that Dow Corning may record bankruptcy-related charges in the future.  The remaining tort claims against Corning relating to the breast implant product lawsuits under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court will be channeled by the Plan into facilities established by the Plan or otherwise defended by the Litigation Facility.

 
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Pittsburgh Corning Corporation.  Corning and PPG Industries, Inc. (PPG) each own 50% of the capital stock of Pittsburgh Corning Corporation (PCC).  Over a period of more than two decades, PCC and several other defendants have been named in numerous lawsuits involving claims alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos.  On April 16, 2000, PCC filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.  At the time PCC filed for bankruptcy protection, there were approximately 11,800 claims pending against Corning in state court lawsuits alleging various theories of liability based on exposure to PCC’s asbestos products and typically requesting monetary damages in excess of one million dollars per claim.  Corning has defended those claims on the basis of the separate corporate status of PCC and the absence of any facts supporting claims of direct liability arising from PCC’s asbestos products.  Corning is also currently involved in approximately 10,300 other cases (approximately 38,700 claims) alleging injuries from asbestos and similar amounts of monetary damages per case.  Those cases have been covered by insurance without material impact to Corning to date.  As described below, several of Corning’s insurance carriers have filed a legal proceeding concerning the extent of any insurance coverage for these claims.  Asbestos litigation is inherently difficult, and past trends in resolving these claims may not be indicators of future outcomes.

On March 28, 2003, Corning announced that it had reached agreement with the representatives of asbestos claimants for the resolution of all current and future asbestos claims against it and PCC, which might arise from PCC products or operations (the 2003 Plan).  The 2003 Plan would have required Corning to relinquish its equity interest in PCC, contribute its equity interest in Pittsburgh Corning Europe N.V. (PCE), a Belgian corporation, contribute 25 million shares of Corning common stock, and pay a total of $140 million in six annual installments (present value $131 million at March 2003), beginning one year after the plan’s effective date, with 5.5 percent interest from June 2004.  In addition, the 2003 Plan provided that Corning would assign certain insurance policy proceeds from its primary insurance and a portion of its excess insurance.

On December 21, 2006, the Bankruptcy Court issued an order denying confirmation of the 2003 Plan for reasons it set out in a memorandum opinion.  Several parties, including Corning, filed motions for reconsideration.  These motions were argued on March 5, 2007, and the Bankruptcy Court reserved decision.  On January 29, 2009, a proposed plan of reorganization (the Amended PCC Plan) resolving issues raised by the Court in denying confirmation of the 2003 Plan was filed with the Bankruptcy Court.

As a result, Corning believes the Amended PCC Plan, modified as indicated below, now represents the most probable outcome of this matter and expects that the Amended PCC Plan will be confirmed by the Court.  At the same time, Corning believes the 2003 Plan no longer serves as the basis for the Company’s best estimate of liability.  Key provisions of the Amended PCC Plan address the concerns expressed by the Bankruptcy Court.  Accordingly, in the first quarter of 2008, Corning adjusted its asbestos litigation liability to reflect components of the Amended PCC Plan.  The proposed resolution of PCC asbestos claims under the Amended PCC Plan requires Corning to contribute its equity interests in PCC and PCE and to contribute a fixed series of payments, recorded at present value.  Corning will have the option to use its shares rather than cash to make these payments, but the liability is fixed by dollar value and not the number of shares.  The Amended PCC Plan originally required Corning to make (1) one payment of $100 million one year from the date the Amended PCC Plan becomes effective and certain conditions are met and (2) five additional payments of $50 million, on each of the five subsequent anniversaries of the first payment, the final payment of which is subject to reduction based on the application of credits under certain circumstances.  Documents were filed with the Bankruptcy Court further modifying the Amended PCC Plan by reducing Corning’s initial payment by $30 million and reducing its second and fourth payments by $15 million each.  In return, Corning will relinquish its claim for reimbursement of its payments and contributions under the Amended PCC Plan from the insurance carriers involved in the bankruptcy proceeding with certain exceptions.  These modifications are expected to resolve objections to the Amended PCC Plan filed by some of the insurance carriers.  Confirmation hearings on the Amended PCC Plan were held in June 2010 and briefs discussing the legal issues have been filed.

 
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The Amended PCC Plan does not include certain non-PCC asbestos claims that may be or have been raised against Corning.  Corning has recorded an additional $150 million for such claims in its estimated asbestos litigation liability.  The liability for non-PCC claims was estimated based upon industry data for asbestos claims since Corning does not have recent claim history due to the injunction issued by the Bankruptcy Court.  The estimated liability represents the undiscounted projection of claims and related legal fees over the next 20 years.  The amount may need to be adjusted in future periods as more data becomes available.

The Amended PCC Plan is subject to a number of contingencies.  Payment of the amounts required to fund the Amended PCC Plan from insurance and other sources are subject to a number of conditions which may not be achieved.  The approval of the Amended PCC Plan by the Bankruptcy Court is not certain and faces remaining objections by some parties.  Any approval of the Amended PCC Plan by the Bankruptcy Court is subject to appeal.  For these and other reasons, Corning’s liability for these asbestos matters may be subject to changes in subsequent quarters.  The estimate of the cost of resolving the non-PCC asbestos claims may also be subject to change as developments occur.  Management continues to believe that the likelihood of the uncertainties surrounding these proceedings causing a material adverse impact to Corning’s financial statements is remote.

Several of Corning’s insurers have commenced litigation in state courts for a declaration of the rights and obligations of the parties under insurance policies, including rights that may be affected by the potential resolutions described above.  Corning is vigorously contesting these cases.  Management is unable to predict the outcome of this insurance litigation and therefore cannot estimate the range of any possible loss.

Seoul Guarantee Insurance Co. and other creditors against Samsung Group and affiliates.  Prior to their merger, Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. (Samsung Corning Precision) and Samsung Corning Co. Ltd. (Samsung Corning) were two of approximately thirty co-defendants in a lawsuit filed by Seoul Guarantee Insurance Co. and thirteen other creditors (SGI and Creditors) for alleged breach of an agreement that approximately twenty-eight affiliates of the Samsung group (Samsung Affiliates) entered into with SGI and Creditors on August 24, 1999 (the Agreement).  The lawsuit is pending in the courts of South Korea.  Under the Agreement it is alleged that the Samsung Affiliates agreed to sell certain shares of Samsung Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (SLI), which had been transferred to SGI and Creditors in connection with the petition for court receivership of Samsung Motors Inc.  In the lawsuit, SGI and Creditors allege a breach of the Agreement by the Samsung Affiliates and are seeking the loss of principal (approximately $1.95 billion) for loans extended to Samsung Motors Inc., default interest and a separate amount for breach.  On January 31, 2008, the Seoul District Court ordered the Samsung Affiliates: to pay approximately $1.3 billion by disposing of 2,334,045 shares of SLI less 1,165,955 shares of SLI previously sold by SGI and Creditors and paying the proceeds to SGI and Creditors; to satisfy any shortfall by participating in the purchase of equity or subordinate debentures issued by them; and pay default interest of 6% per annum.  The ruling has been appealed.  On November 10, 2009, the Appellate Court directed the parties to attempt to resolve this matter through mediation.  As a result, the parties are discussing the possibility of a settlement of this matter.  Due to the uncertainties around the financial impact to each of the respective Samsung Affiliates, Samsung Corning Precision is unable to reasonably estimate the amount of potential loss, if any, associated with this case and therefore no provision for such loss is reflected in its financial statements.  Other than as described above, no claim in these matters has been asserted against Corning or any of its affiliates.

Ellsworth Industrial Park, Downers Grove, IL Environmental Litigation.  Corning has settled claims for contribution for personal injury and property damage arising from the alleged release of solvents from the operations of several corporate defendants at the Ellsworth Industrial Park into soil and groundwater.  Corning has also settled a cost-recovery action by the State of Illinois against a number of corporate defendants as a result of an alleged groundwater contamination at this industrial park site.  Two additional corporate defendants have made claims for contribution for property damage and cost recovery for remediations at this industrial park site, one of which has been voluntarily dismissed.  The second case was dismissed by the Court on August 12, 2009.  On November 17, 2009, the Court denied plaintiff’s request to file an amended complaint.  On December 14, 2009, plaintiff gave notice of its appeal of the District Court’s opinion and order dismissing its case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.  Oral argument on plaintiff’s appeal was conducted on October 1, 2010.

 
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Commission of European Communities Competition Investigation.  In connection with an investigation by the Commission of the European Communities, Competition DG, of alleged anticompetitive behavior relating to the worldwide production of LCD glass, Corning and Samsung Corning Precision received a request from the Competition DG on March 30, 2009 for certain information.  Corning and Samsung Corning Precision have responded to those requests for information.  On October 9, 2009, in connection with its investigation, the Competition DG made a further request for information from both Corning and Samsung Corning Precision to which each party has responded.  Samsung Corning Precision has also responded to the Competition DG and authorities in other jurisdictions, including the United States in connection with similar investigations of alleged anticompetitive behavior relating to worldwide production of cathode ray tube glass.

Supply Disputes.  In early September 2009, a significant customer of Corning’s LCD glass display business in Asia notified Corning Display Technologies Taiwan Co. Ltd. in writing that it considers Corning Display Technologies to be in breach of the supply agreement between the companies.  In September of 2010, the parties amicably resolved this dispute.

In February 2010, Corning received notification from one of the indirect customers for products sold by the Environmental Technologies segment seeking reassurance from Corning that Corning would honor certain supply obligations regarding the supply of catalytic converter substrates and objecting to a proposed allocation of such products that might affect that customer.  Corning is discussing these issues with this and other indirect and direct customers of its Environmental Technologies segment as a result of possible constraints, including access to raw materials, in its ability to supply its products to those customers.

Chinese Antidumping Investigation.  On April 22, 2010, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce initiated an antidumping investigation against manufacturers of optical fiber based in the U.S. and the European Union, alleging that standard single-mode optical fiber was sold in China at lower prices than in the respective home country.  This matter does not present a claim for damages, but the Ministry may prospectively impose additional duties on imported fiber products.  Corning is defending this matter vigorously.  Corning management is not able to estimate the impact of this proceeding upon its export business to China pending a final determination or to express assurances regarding the likelihood that an additional duty may or may not be imposed.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

In addition to other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors in our 2009 Form 10-K, which could materially impact our business, financial condition or future results.  Risks disclosed in our 2009 Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may materially adversely impact our business, financial condition or operating results.

 
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ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

This table provides information about our purchases of our common stock during the fiscal third quarter of 2010:

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share (1)
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plan
or Program (2)
 
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plan
or Program (2)
July 1-31, 2010
40,547
 
$17.28
 
0
 
$0
August 1-31, 2010
17,806
 
$18.55
 
0
 
$0
September 1-30, 2010
  1,366
 
$16.68
 
0
 
$0
Total
59,719
 
$17.65
 
0
 
$0

(1)
This column reflects the following transactions during the fiscal third quarter of 2010:  (i) the deemed surrender to us of 17,806 shares of common stock to pay the exercise price and to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the exercise of employee stock options, and (ii) the surrender to us of 41,913 shares of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock issued to employees.
 
(2)
During the quarter ended September 30, 2010, we did not have a publicly announced program for repurchase of shares of our common stock and did not repurchase our common stock in open-market transactions outside of such a program.


 
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ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS



(a)
Exhibits
   
       
 
Exhibit Number
 
Exhibit Name
       
 
3(i)
 
Certificate of Change related to Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed with Secretary of State of the State of New York on July 23, 2010.
       
 
10
 
Special Retirement Transition Agreement dated July 30, 2010 between Corning Incorporated and Peter F. Volanakis.
       
 
12
 
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
       
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act
       
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act
       
 
32
 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
       
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
       
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
       
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
       
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
       
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document
       
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Document



 
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SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.






     
Corning Incorporated
 
     
(Registrant)
 
         
         
         
 
November 1, 2010
 
/s/ JAMES B. FLAWS
 
 
Date
 
James B. Flaws
 
     
Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer
 
     
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
         
         
         
         
         
 
November 1, 2010
 
/s/ R. TONY TRIPENY
 
 
Date
 
R. Tony Tripeny
 
     
Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller
 
     
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 



 
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