Taiwan-based LCD panel makers AU Optronics (AUO), Chimei Innolux (CMI), Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT), and HannStar Display enjoyed double-digit growths in shipments to the small- to medium-size segment in August 2011.

CPT and HannStar both posted record small- to medium-size panel shipments for the month, with the former's volume rising 22% on month to 47.06 million units and the latter increasing 15.2% on-month to 42.13 million units.

AUO's August shipments of small- to medium-size panels reached 17.75 million units, with an on-month increase of 13.9%. CMI's shipments to the segment climbed 24.2% to 39.84 million units.

AUO, CMI, and CPT have posted consolidated revenues of NT$33.27 billion (US$1.13 billion), NT$42 billion, and NT$5.17 billion for August, with on-month growths of 1.6%, 2%, and 10%, respectively, as a result of increases in shipments of both small- to medium-size and large-size panels.

HannStar's non-consolidated revenues of August declined 5.35% on month to NT$3.22 billion, due to reduced shipments of large-size panels.

CPT said sales grew on rising demand for e-paper backplane, telematic and handset applications and revenues from touch sensors also contributed to the growth. The company said collaboration with E Ink has been a stable source of orders.

Market observers have forecast strong demand for small- to medium-size panels in third and fourth quarters of 2011, citing the launch of iPhone 5 and new HTC smartphones. Shipments of the iPhone 5 could reach 25 million units in the fourth quarter, the observers said.

New tablet devices may also boost demand for small- to medium-size panels, they said. Amazon's shipment goal for its tablet devices is said to be five million units in 2011. Component suppliers for Apple's iPad 3 are expected to begin shipments in fourth-quarter 2011, the observers said.

Source:digitimes