LCD panel maker HannStar Display has posted October revenues of NT$3.328 billion (US$110.24 million), down 15.8% sequentially and 33.5% on year. Revenues from January through October totaled NT$48.051 billion, rising 15.4% from a year earlier.

The company pointed out that October shipments for large-size panels used in notebooks, monitors and its own-brand HannsG products reached 378,000 units, down slightly by 0.8% on month. Shipments for small-to-medium-size panels were 28.57 million units, down 14% sequentially.

Fellow maker AU Optronics (AUO), with shipment declines for large-, medium- and small-size panels, saw October revenues drop 16.3% sequentially and 11.3% on year to NT$35.131 billion. Large-size panel shipments used in monitors, notebooks, LCD TVs reached 9.15 million units, down 3.8% sequentially, and small-to-medium-size panel shipments fell 11.7% sequentially to 17.76 million units.

Despite a weak October, the panel makers are seeing improvements in November with IT panel prices rebounding by US$1-2, which some believe signifies a recovery of the panel market. TV panel prices, however, are still trending downward.

However, thanks to strong sales during China's National Day holidays in early October, TV panel inventory in the country is back to a healthy level. In addition, with third-quarter monitor and TV panel prices falling by 25-30% and 10-20%, respectively, panel makers reduced capacity utilization to limit losses. The fourth quarter is traditionally the peak season, which should see stronger demand from the retail channel. With the Chinese New Year approaching in the first quarter of 2011, TV makers will likely also soon increase panel procurement, which should put an end to the TV panel price freefall.