26.06.09
Samsung leads TFT LCD comeback
Samsung led the way in shipments of large area TFT LCD panels in May 2009, according to Display Search.
In a month when panel shipments were up eight per cent from April, Samsung grabbed 27.5 per cent of the market in terms of area shipment. However, on a unit basis, LG Display led with 25.2 per cent market share.
May 2009 saw 43.3 million large-area TFT LCD panels shipped, which was up six per cent on last according to the most recent DisplaySearch Monthly TFT LCD Shipment Database. The 43.3 million units also represent the highest on record for the past 12 months.
On a unit basis, Samsung followed LG Display with 24.6 per cent of the market, while AUO took 17.9 per cent. Large area TFT LCD revenues reached $4.7 billion, (€3.3 billion) showing 15 per cent M/M growth, but 35 per cent lower than May 2008, an indication of how far prices declined in Q4’08 and Q1’09.
In terms of shipment volume, May’s shipment results indicate a continuation of the large-area TFT LCD industry’s recovery. DisplaySearch forecasts that shipments will increase again in June, and that the panel supply situation will continue to tighten in June and July, which will result in higher revenues.
Large-area TFT LCD shipments reached 6.6 million square meters in May, up ten per cent M/M and twelve per cent Y/Y, and the highest level in more than a year. The growth in shipment area was mainly driven by TV panels. Samsung led in area shipments with a 27.5 per cent market share, followed by LG Display at 25.6 per cent, CMO at 16.0 per cent, and AUO with 15.9 per cent.
“May results are encouraging for panel makers, as they reflect a healthy recovery in demand,” said David Hsieh, vice president of DisplaySearch.
“Considering the current end-market demand and the limited supply of glass substrates, as well as the low panel inventories, we expect that shortage conditions will continue. In June, both panel shipments and prices continue to increase, and we expect to see additional price increases in July.”