Microsoft and Corning post robust AI‑driven earnings growth

Corning Inc. beat second‑quarter expectations, reporting adjusted earnings of $0.78 per share versus analysts’ $0.75 forecast and revenue of $4.74 billion, up 22.8% year‑over‑year. The optical‑communication segment surged 32% to $2.07 billion, driven by demand for data‑center and fiber‑optic networks, while enterprise‑network sales rose 65% and solar revenues jumped 90%. Despite the strong results, the stock slipped almost 20% after a 58% rally earlier this year, and the company warned of third‑quarter revenue between $4.9 billion and $5.0 billion.

Microsoft Corp. also surpassed expectations in its fiscal fourth quarter, with Azure revenue climbing 43% on a currency‑adjusted basis—the strongest growth since 2022. Full‑year revenue reached $332 billion, operating profit $155 billion and net profit $134 billion, up roughly one‑third from the prior year. The firm announced $41 billion of investments in data centers, chips and related infrastructure, and reported that more than 30 million customers now pay for Microsoft 365 Copilot, up from 20 million three months earlier. The market reacted positively, sending the stock higher by double‑digit percentages.