May large-area TFT LCD shipments and revenues reach record highs

SANTA CLARA, USA: May 2010 shipments of large-area TFT LCD panels were 58.8 million units, up 9 percent from April, and revenues were 7.5 billion, up 7 percent M/M, according to the DisplaySearch Monthly TFT LCD Shipment Database.

These results surpassed the previous monthly high record level in March 2010. Furthermore, they were also significantly better than a year ago, as shipments and revenues increased 36 percent Y/Y and 60 percent Y/Y, respectively.

According to David Hsieh, Vice President of DisplaySearch: “The May results indicate that although the TFT LCD industry is going through a panel price and inventory correction period this quarter, panel shipment momentum is not slowing down and has bounced back to reach record monthly highs after a monthly decline in April.”
All applications showed good growth from the previous month, with notebook and slate/mini-note panels are showing the strongest growth with 16 percent M/M.

Table 1: Large-Area TFT LCD Panel Shipments and Growth (Millions of Units)Source: DisplaySearch May 2010 Monthly TFT LCD Shipment Database

Hsieh added: “It is to be expected that the panel price will fall gradually in Q2’10 due to the slowdown in demand. However, we do not think the price decline will be drastic, as shipments continue to grow.

“On the other hand, tightness in the LCD module and backlight components supply chain and confidence about strong demand in the next quarter have encouraged panel makers to maintain their present high capacity utilization rates and the downstream buyers to accumulate more preparatory inventories. This explains why we are seeing panel prices fall and shipments increase, concurrently. Furthermore, panel makers are expecting to increase shipments again in June despite falling prices.”

Additional highlights from the DisplaySearch monthly TFT LCD shipment database

* On a unit basis, LG Display was the leader with 24.1 percent market share, followed by Samsung with 22.4 percent, Chimei Innolux with 17.9 percent, and AUO with 17.4 percent.
* On a revenue basis, Samsung led with a 26.3 percent market share, followed by LG Display with 24.2 percent, AUO with 17 percent, and Chimei Innolux with 15.1 percent.
* On an area basis, Samsung was the leader with 25.1 percent market share, followed by LG Display with 23.5 percent, Chimei Innolux with 17.6 percent, and AUO with 16.5 percent.
* All panel makers enjoyed M/M growth, with companies like Samsung, LG Display, IPS Alpha and CPT are experiencing double-digit M/M growth.
* Slate/mini-note (5.0-11.6”, including 9.7”) panel shipments were 4.8 million in May, reaching a new record high as well.