WitsView: Large-size panel shipments in March reached a new historic high
According to WitsView’s latest survey, global large-sized panel shipments reached a new historic high in March 2010, surging by 21.5% MoM to 53.88 million units; its YoY growth rate reached an impressive 49.7%. March is the fiscal closing month of the first quarter, and panel prices are currently at a high point; therefore, with such favorable conditions and perfect timing, major panel makers are aggressively shipping their products to ensure an outstanding first quarter earnings report.
In March, driven by strong shipment momentum and the launch of spring models, shipments of all applications, except for netbook panels, recorded historic high figures. Of which, TV panel shipments grew by 13.9% to 15.8 million units; monitor panel shipments grew the most this month, up by 26.8% MoM to a total of 19.21 million units; notebook (>12.1”) panel shipments increased by 25.8% to 15.25 million units, while netbook (<12.1”) panel shipments rose 13% MoM to 3.61 million units.
In the upcoming 2Q10: after the panel industry has undergone losses from the global financial crisis as well as incentives from regional markets, panel industry’s seasonality patterns have become highly variable. Panel makers’ subsequent strategies are a test of wisdom for their survival. WitsView analyst Linda Lin indicated that, although panel shipments in March were outstanding, there is still buzz in the market about diminishing end-market demand. As major brand vendors are intentionally lowering prices to expand their market share, it suggests that demand may gradually weaken. Therefore, according to WitsView, panel prices and shipment volumes will reach another turning point in April; hence, we recommend panel makers hold a conservative attitude toward 2Q10.
Table 1: TFT-LCD Panel Shipment in Mar-10 (K units)
