Large-area LCD Panel Shipments Show Positive Growth Y-o-Y after 7 Month

Under the severe economic recession, April 2009 Large-area TFT-LCD panel shipments maintained 3 consecutive months increasing trend and the shipments that have been showing “negative” growth Y/Y after October 2008 turned to show positive growth Y/Y.

Displaybank, a global authority in market research and consulting for the display and solar industries, today announced that April 2009 Large-area TFT-LCD panel shipments rose 5.5% M/M or 3.2% from April 2008 to 40.44 million units. These and other findings are disclosed in Displaybank’s newly updated Monthly Large-area TFT-LCD Panel Shipment Data Report, which covers Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel shipments on a monthly basis.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Ricky Park, Displaybank’s Senior Analyst noted, “the large increase shown compared to previous month is due to Set makers trying to increase stock level under the current low panel price and increased TV panel orders from Chinese makers targeting Labor day holiday in China.”

According to Displaybank, 10.6 million LCD TV panels were shipped during April 2009 which was the record high for the monthly results. Displaybank emphasized the fact that high LCD TV growth under the current global economic recession is noted with high interest because LCD TV panel shipments grew 26.6% Y/Y and it accounts for 26% of total large-area panel shipments or 55% of total revenue.

Looking at Market Share by makers, Samsung Electronics ranked in #1 with 27.0% M/S followed by LG Display in #2 ranking with 26.0% M/S. AUO has jumped to #3 ranking with 16.0% M/S. Market Shares of Korea-based makers sharply rose to 53% compared to 41% in April 2008.

In terms of Shipments (unit basis), LG Display is ranked at #1 after 3 months with 25.0% M/S followed by Samsung Electronics at #2 ranking with small difference. Two Korea-based makers exceeded 10 million shipments per month for the first time. AUO was ranked in #3 with 17.0% M/S.

According to the overall demand increase, panel makers are responding to the rising orders by increasing 10~30% utilization every month from February 2009. Displaybank projects continued increases in Monitor and TV panel orders during May 2009 and shipments is expected to increase 3~5% M/M.

Displaybank will be showcasing its entire Reports Lineup at Display Week 2009 (May 31 - June 5 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas) at its booth #335.  In addition, Displaybank’s CEO, Peter Kwon, will be presenting on key issues and trends in the display industry at the Display Week Press Room (room 210A/B) on Tuesday, June 2 at 11:00 a.m.

About Displaybank

Displaybank is a global authority in market research and consulting for the display and solar industries.  Headquartered in Bundang, Korea, Displaybank has solidified its position as the global leader in the display industry and solar market research by offering analysis based on rapid and accurate information sourcing in order to provide insights into the industry's future.  Displaybank’s analysts are located throughout Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, and the U.S., and have been providing analysis in technological developments, market trends and forecasts for more than 10 years. For more information, visit: