LG Display Sees Increase in Large-Size LCD Panel Shipments

LG Display managed to reach the top position in terms of unit shipments in the large-size LCD panel market segment in September 2008, and is reported to be the only maker to register increase in shipment volume in October. According to Displaybank, LG Display also managed to maintain its lead with a 25.5 percent market share. During October, the maker shipped 2.59 million LCD TV panel units, climbing 13 percent from September. In addition, LG Display expanded sales to global brand, which also showed good IT panel shipment results.

For comparison, Samsung Electronics registered a 6 percent increase in LCD TV panel shipments in October over the previous month. On the other hand, Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) saw a 22 percent decrease in shipment volume, while its market share dropped to 13.9 percent. According to the research firm, Taiwanese panel makers experience rather hard times, as major TV vendors increase their in-house panel purchasing amid oversupply in the market.

Samsung, which leads in the 46- and 52-inch TV-use panels, managed to keep the first position with a revenue share of 29 percent. LG Display is placed second, with 25.6 percent. According to Displaybank, AU Optronics (AUO) was left behind by the top-two makers, as it registered only a 14.4 percent revenue share in October.

Other news unveils the fact that the prices for large-size applications continue to drop in the second half of November, as the LCD panel price pressure remains strong. Research firm DisplaySearch says that prices in the TV segment saw a 7-8 percent drop. The prices in the monitor segment went down by 2-5 percent, while the notebook panel prices saw a 5 percent decline. PDPs and handset-use LCD applications haven't registered price changes.

Panel makers are currently operating with losses, as the prices have been cut close to material cost or even lower. According to the research firm, some of the makers are struggling with inventory issues, while most of them are desperately seeking for cash.