Taipei, August 21, 2008---Based on WitsView’s market survey, mainstream monitors panel prices fell by 8~12% in 2HAug. NBs and TVs dropped respectively by 6% and 2~5%. According to WitsView’s large-sized panel cost structure, NB panels are currently the only profitable segment.
Taipei, September 10, 2008---According to WitsView’s panel price survey for September, the price pressure on the 3 main applications can still be felt. This stems from the weaker-than-usual end market demand during the traditional strong seasonality, as the global economy remains weighed by inflation and credit squeeze problems--resulting in weak consumer confidence and buying power.
Taipei, August 29, 2008---By observing the operating margins of panel makers in the past 5 years, 2 major downslides can be spotted. One occurred between 4Q04~2Q05, while the other happened between 2Q06~1Q07.
Taipei, August 18, 2008---According to WitsView’s survey, worldwide large-size panel shipments in July reached 32.7 million units, a 7.7% MoM decrease and a mere 1.3% growth on year. Beginning from June, due to rising inventory pressures, some brand and SI makers reduced the amount of panel orders. At the same time, panel prices also began to trend downwards.
Taipei, August 6, 2008---According to WitsView’s 1HAug price survey, IT panels will drop by 7~9%, while TV panels will slip by another 3~5%. There is a chance in seeing monitor panel prices falling past their fully-loaded cost in August. There is even a possibility to witness prices falling near the cash cost level, which would mark the lowest acceptable ASP for panel makers.