Corning Incorporated (GLW) Willow Glass Ready for Take-Off?

The dividend has since been hiked again, to 10 cents, and a rising market has the price up to $15.22, giving a yield of just 2.63%. But Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) has generally been in a trading range for over a decade now, and its foray into solar hasn’t helped it. The financials don’t indicate hope is on the horizon. The company had almost 20% less in sales in fiscal 2012 than in 2011, and was essentially at break even. The balance sheet also showed a disturbing rise in debt, disturbing because until recently the company didn’t have any.

The Foolish bottom line

I don’t presently hold any Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) in my portfolio, and a brief flirtation with it a few years ago proved unpopular, but now may be a good time to speculate in it. Willow Glass supports the solar technology that’s strongest in the U.S., and the combination could be profitable all the way down the channel.

As solar costs drive down below those of other grid energy, installation costs remain a barrier to widespread market acceptance. Shingles that can be installed by a homeowner would seem to be the perfect way to play.

But I’ve been burned before. So don’t bet the farm on this. Maybe dip a toe in the water….

The article Corning Willow Glass Ready for Take-Off? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Dana Blankenhorn.

Dana Blankenhorn has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Corning. The Motley Fool owns shares of Corning. Dana is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.

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