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Samsung, Despite the Favorable TV Sales in Q1, Display Still in Deficit

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Source = Samsung Elec.

Source = Samsung Elec.

 

Samsung Elec. today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2016. Samsung’s revenue for the quarter was KRW 49.78 trillion, an increase of 5.7 percent YoY, while operating profit for the quarter was KRW 6.68 trillion, an increase of 12 percent YoY. In the company’s earnings guidance disclosed on April 7, 2016, Samsung estimated first quarter consolidated revenues would reach approximately KRW 49.0 trillion with consolidated operating profit of approximately KRW 6.6 trillion.

The first quarter saw overall earnings growth led by the early launch and successful sales of the flagship Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, improved memory product mix, expanded 14nm supply of System LSI products and increased sales of OLED panels.
Overall earnings of the Display Panel business decreased due to a sharp decline in LCD panel earnings although earnings of OLED panels improved mainly driven by the Galaxy S7. The LCD business experienced temporary yield issues while adopting new process technology as well as TV panel price decline.

The IT & Mobile Communications (IM) Division saw a substantial earnings improvement both YoY and QoQ mainly driven by the early launch of Galaxy S7 and its strong sales and improved cost efficiency through the streamlining of mid-to-low-end smartphone lineups. Although the company had a one-time royalty settlement expense in the quarter, the impact on operating profit was equivalent to less than 1 percent of IM revenue.

The Consumer Electronics (CE) Division achieved significant earnings growth YoY led by expanded sales of premium TV models such as SUHD TV and Curved TV in developed markets, and also a notable sales increase of premium home appliance products in North America.

In the second quarter, the company expects its solid performance to continue led by steady earnings in the Mobile and Semiconductor businesses plus improvement of the CE and Display Panel businesses.

The IM Division is expected to secure solid earnings by expanding sales of the Galaxy S7 along with strong profitability of mid-to-low-end products. The CE Division expects to see improvements as seasonality should improve air conditioner sales, while flagship SUHD TV sales are expected to increase.

The Display Panel segment is expected to see earnings improvement compared to the previous quarter as LCD profitability is forecast to rise on stabilized TV panel yields and improved demand and supply conditions.

For the Display Panel business, OLED earnings are expected to improve due to growth driven by an increase in flexible and high-resolution panels. LCD panel profitability is expected to improve in the second half driven by high valued-added products amid better supply and demand conditions.

For the IM Division, the company expects the sales of flagship products to increase YoY, especially with strong demand for flagship products such as the Galaxy S7 and new model launches in the second half. In addition, the company will continue to manage cost efficiencies by streamlining its smartphone lineups.

For the CE Division, the company will focus on profitability by increasing premium products such as SUHD and Curved TVs. With the Olympics and other global sporting events forecast to drive global demand for large-size TVs, the company expects strong improvements in operating results YoY.

Meanwhile, capital expenditure (CAPEX) for the first quarter was KRW 4.6 trillion, which includes KRW 2.1 trillion for the Semiconductor business and KRW 1.8 trillion for the Display Panel business. The annual plan for CAPEX has not yet been confirmed but is projected to increase slightly compared to last year’s CAPEX based on various business opportunities. CAPEX for the Display Panel segment may increase as the company sees strong market demand for OLED panels. DRAM CAPEX will remain flexible based on supply and demand conditions but is expected to be lower than 2015.

The Display Panel segment posted KRW 6.04 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 0.27 trillion in operating loss for the quarter.

In the first quarter, shipments of OLED panels improved from the previous quarter, driven by launches of new high-end smartphone panels and strong demand for smartphones in the mid-to-low-end space. Conversely, the company’s LCD panel shipments decreased, affected by weaker demand during low seasonality.

Looking ahead to the second quarter, for OLED panels, Samsung hopes to actively address demand for new products and expand its customer base, while focusing on improving profitability of LCD panels by increasing shipments of strategic premium products such as UHD and large-size panels.

In 2016, the company expects OLED demand will continue to rise helped largely by growth in the mid-to-low-end smartphone segment while the LCD market will continue to be over supplied. In this market, Samsung hopes to actively address demand for new products, increase sales of value-added products and reinforce its leadership by developing new panel applications.

The IM Division – comprising the Mobile Communications and Networks Businesses – posted KRW 27.60 trillion in consolidated revenue, a 6.6-percent YoY increase, and KRW 3.89 trillion in operating profit for the quarter, a 42-percent YoY increase.

While smartphone and tablet demand saw a slight QoQ decrease due to seasonal effects, overall operating profit for the Division increased. This increase was largely due to the early launch and strong global performance of the flagship Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, as evidenced by robust sell-out figures and low inventory levels compared to their predecessors. A streamlined mid-to-low-end smartphone lineup also contributed to improved profitability.

Looking ahead to the second quarter, while demand for smartphones and tablets is forecast to remain flat due to continued weak seasonality, the worldwide rollout of the latest flagship models as well as an increase in shipments of the mid-to-low-end Galaxy A and J series are expected to help the company maintain robust sales momentum and profit.

As for the year ahead, Samsung anticipates softening demand in the smartphone market and negative growth in the tablet market. The company will reinforce its leadership in the premium smartphone segment on the back of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, while continuing to increase volume and improve profitability in the mid-to-low-end segment. In addition, the company will continue to expand the Samsung Pay service to global markets and look into new business opportunities.

For the Networks Business, the company will seek growth through the continued rollout of 4G LTE services in new markets around the world, including Southeast Asia.

The Consumer Electronics Division – encompassing the Visual Display (VD), Digital Appliances (DA), Printing Solutions and Health & Medical Equipment (HME) businesses – posted KRW 10.62 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 0.51 trillion in operating profit for the quarter.

In the first quarter, TV market demand decreased YoY due to weak seasonality and economic downturn in emerging markets. Earnings for the VD Business showed significant growth YoY, led by increased sales of premium products such as SUHD and Curved TVs.

For the appliances business, earnings improved compared to the corresponding quarter last year, led by continued growth in the North American market and increased sales of innovative premium products such as Chef Collection refrigerators and the Activewash™ washing machine.

In the second quarter, TV demand is expected to slightly increase riding on sports events such as the Olympics. The company plans to further improve profitability by continuing to focus on the new and improved SUHD TVs with the world’s only cadmium-free Quantum dot display, while also increasing sales of premium products such as UHD TVs and Curved TVs.

Digital appliance demand is expected to rise due to seasonal growth for air conditioners, despite global market uncertainties. Against this backdrop, Samsung aims to increase profitability by expanding sales of innovative premium products such as a newly launched air conditioner and Family Hub Refrigerator. Additionally, the company expects to improve performance by expanding its enterprise business including built-in kitchens and system air conditioners.

“CSOT Invests 7,740 Million USD in Gen11 LCD Line Construction”

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TCL Corporation Which Includes CSOT(Source=TCL)

TCL Corporation Which Includes CSOT(Source=TCL)

 

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

Chinese media reported that CSOT (China Star Optoelectronics Technology) is planning to invest $ 7,740 million in constructing Gen11 TFT-LCD panel mass production line.

According to the Chinese media, this company is planning to establish the Gen11 LCD mass production line in factory located in Shenzhen, south of China. The line is for 45 inch and 66 inch large area panel for TV. This mass production that CSOT is newly building is known to produce 3000mm x 3000mm or larger using glass substrate, and cut in 18 different sizes with the highest cutting efficiency of 97%.

Of Chinese panel production companies, CSOT has the second highest market share after BOE. At present, CSOT is operating Gen8.5 mass production line for large area panel and Gen6 LTPS line for small to medium-sized panel in Wuhan area in China. It also intends to establish another small to medium sized OLED panel mass production line for smartphone and tablet in Wuhan this year.

Higher the Generation of the line, it is more advantageous for large area panel production. If BOE completes Gen10.5 line construction, and CSOT Gen11 line, this means China is equipped with superior price competitiveness within large area LCD panel sector such as 60 inch panel for TV. Accordingly, the trend of LCD panel market leadership transference from Korea to China looks to be accelerated.

In fact, Korean key display companies, including Samsung Display and LG Display, only possess, at maximum Gen8 mass production line manufacturing equipment. Many display experts estimate that due to the supply of LCD pouring out from China, Korean display companies will record deficit in Q1 2016.

Samsung Display OLED Equipped iPhone 7S in 2017? Is it Possible?

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Samsung Display is Expected to Supply OLED for iPhone(Source: Apple)

Samsung Display is Expected to Supply OLED for iPhone(Source: Apple)

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

On 14 April, one Korean media reported that Samsung Display agreed to supply OLED for Apple’s iPhone, and the forecast that Samsung Display OLED will be used for iPhone 7S (TBA) to be released in 2017 is gaining traction.

According to the Maeil Kyoungjae article published on 14, Samsung Display and Apple signed agreement of OLED supply of 3 trillion KRW worth of 5.5 inch panel a year, with 3 years of supplier right. Subsequently, it is known that Samsung will carry out new investment of total 10 trillion KRW for Gen6 flexible OLED exclusive line A3 factory, and supply 100 million units of OLED panel a year for 3 years from Q2 2017. The majority of the industry estimates that Apple will begin application of this panel from the model to be released in H2 2017.

No official confirmation is Samsung Display’s position. However, it has been widely known within the industry that Samsung Display has agreed to supply OLED for Apple from next year. OLEDNET analyzed whether Samsung Display’s OLED application to the new 2017 iPhone is possible.

UBI Research’s analysis of key Korean OLED manufacturing companies’ Financial Supervisory Service public announcements shows that the volume Samsung Display ordered for A3 line expansion is judged to be 30K. Samsung Display’s current A3 line is 15K volume. When the newly ordered 30K volume is established, the total volume becomes 45K.

1K equals 1,000 units of glass substrate per month. If 1 substrate can produce approximately 300 units of panel, 45K A3 line can mass produce 162 million units of OLED panel per year. Global iPhone sales volume is about 200 million units per year. For Samsung Display to supply about half of this volume, approximately 100 million units a year, the 45K line is enough.

The problem is that Samsung Display does not supply OLED to Apple only. UBI Research analyzes that when OLED panels of Galaxy series for Samsung Electronics, Samsung Display’s biggest client, is considered, 45K volume is not enough; at a minimum 60K is required to satisfy the demand of both Samsung Electronics and Apple.

UBI Research’s Choong Hoon Yi forecast that if Samsung Display carries out additional orders regarding A3 line expansion within this year and is equipped with over 60K volume, the company will be able to handle half of iPhone’s annual OLED supply at a minimum. He explained that the 45K could be insufficient to supply OLED for both Galaxy and iPhone series. Yi added that Samsung Display can at least supply a small volume of OLED to Apple, and have them be applied to the early batch of iPhone 7S (TBA) in H2 2017.

Foxconn’s Large Size Panel Yield, Equal to Samsung·LG within 2016

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Foxconn is expected to occupy approximately 22% of 2016 Q4 global large size panel yield(Source : Foxconn)

Foxconn is expected to occupy approximately 22% of 2016 Q4 global large size panel yield(Source : Foxconn)

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

Foxconn is expected to occupy approximately 22% of 2016 Q4 global large size panel yield, similar to the levels of Samsung Display and LG Display.

Foxconn, recently confirmed to buy 66% of Sharp’s stake for $ 3.5 billion, is estimated to actively invest in improving Sharp’s panel competitiveness against Samsung Display and LG Display.

DigiTimes recently reported their research indicates Sharp’s large size panel yield will occupy 5.3% of global market in Q4 2016. This places the company on the 7th place after Samsung Display, LG Display, Innolux, AUO, BOE, and CSOT.

However, Sharp and Innolux are under Hon Hai Precision (Foxconn Technology). If the Q4 2016 large size panel yield of Sharp and Innolux are combined, the global occupancy is added to 21.9%. This is approximately the same level as Samsung Display (23.7%) and LG Display (22.7%).

Foxconn is analyzed to be investing in Sharp mainly with focus on OLED. According to a recent DigiTimes article, Foxconn is planning to invest approximately US$ 1.8 billion in OLED development.

DigiTimes estimates that Foxconn will actively begin mass production of OLED for smartphone from 2018, and expand the production to large and medium-sized OLED panel for TV, notebook, etc. Foxconn is forecast to begin shipment of OLED for TV from 2021, and annually ship 7,200,000 units of OLED panel for TV in 2025.

A Window that Turns into a Billboard…Samsung Display’s CTO “AMOLED, to Open New Era?”

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 Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

SDC’s CTO Sungchul Kim During Keynote Speech at FineTech Japan 2016

SDC’s CTO Sungchul Kim During Keynote Speech at FineTech Japan 2016

 

 

Samsung Display’s CTO, Sungchul Kim, displayed infinite potential of AMOLED’s new market creation ability, and emphasized that panel, manufacturing equipment, materials, and communication sectors need to grow together. He also suggested new life through AMOLED and technologies required for this.

On April 6, during the Technical Conference of FineTech Japan (April 6-8), Kim gave a keynote speech on the new market creating AMOLED’s next generation application and key technology.

As the market that AMOLED will newly open, Kim suggested mobile device, TV, VR and AR (virtual reality and augmented reality), automotive, PID (public information display), etc. According to Kim, these applications will be actualized through various forms of AMOLED such as foldable, rollable, stretchable, mirror, and transparent.

Explaining the utilization of mirror and transparent AMOLED, Kim emphasized that what is normally a wall or window can be turned into a PID that shows required information when needed. Kim explained that AMOLED is suitable for VR or AR that allows the user to realistically experience a particular environment or situation by combining the imaginary and reality. He added that when foldable and rollable displays are applied to mobile device, IT device, TV, etc., large screens can be produced while the device is small, and space utilization and mobility can be increased. Regarding automotive AMOLED, Kim explained that it will provide required information without disrupting driving, as well as improving the design of the vehicle.

Additionally, Kim suggested key technology required for actualization of each application. In the case of a window display, a technology that can simultaneously produce flexibility and hardness is required, and for automotive AMOLED, the technology for blue materials of phosphorescent materials needs to be improved. For transparent display that actualizes PID, transparency of each layer, substrate heat resistance, etc. have to be achieved.

Kim explained that in future, new life which is smart and connected through AMOLED will open. He further emphasized that for this to happen panel, manufacturing equipment, materials, and communication sectors need to grow together.

FineTech Japan 2016 (April 6-8) is a display technology related exhibition held in Tokyo Big Sight. The 26th annual event is participated by approximately 260 companies including Samsung Display, BOE, and Japan Display.

Foxconn to Actively Mass Produce phone OLED in 2018…7.2mn for TV in 2025

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Hyunjoo Kang /Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

Foxconn Headquarters, Source: Foxconn

Foxconn Headquarters, Source: Foxconn

With the forecast of gradually bolstered investment in OLED by Foxconn that recently bought Sharp for $ 3.5 billion, there is a possibility that this company could actively mass produce OLED panel for smartphone from 2018.

DigiTimes recently reported their research indicates that Foxconn will actively mass produce OLED panels for smartphone from 2018 and increase the OLED panel mass production in stages.

According to DigiTimes, Foxconn is planning to first mass produce small size OLED panel for smartphone and then begin medium size OLED for tablet, notebook, and TV. In 2021, It is expected to release 3 million units of OLED panel for tablet and notebook, and increase it to 10.4 million units in 2025. Hence, Foxconn is expected to occupy a quite significant amount of market share in future OLED panel market.

IT is estimated to begin releasing OLED panel for TV in 2021. It’s OLED shipment for TV in 2021 is expected to be 252,000 units, but it is estimated to gradually increase to record 7.2 million units per year in 2025.

 

◆ “IGZO Technology to be Applied to OLED”

 

In a recent press conference regarding the Sharp takeover, Hon Hai’s Chairman Terry Gou said that IGZO, which is LCD (liquid crystal display) technology of Japan’s Sharp, is better than OLED, Korea’s newest display technology. He further revealed that future Sharp display will utilize IGZO technology for approximately 60% of the panel and OLED for 40%.

IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) display is Sharp’s LCD. IGZO is known to have superior picture quality in comparison to the general LCD, with less power consumption. It is used in the majority of smartphone and tablet PC such as iPad.

As Foxconn’s Sharp is IGZO technology’s leading company, DigiTimes estimates that IT will apply the IGZO backplane technology on OLED panel.

UBI Research, an OLED specializing market research company, explained that as Sharp’s small size LCD process is LTPS based, and can be transformed to OLED line, it will be easier for Foxconn to achieve OLED mass production ability through Sharp. He added that this added Foxconn to the lineup of Samsung Display, LG Display, and Japan Display as the likely supplier for iPhone OLED panel for Apple. Furthermore, he analyzed that although Foxconn and Japan Display are both latecomers in OLED sector, Foxconn is in a more favorable position due to its solid relationship with Apple.

2015 OLED Emitting Materials Market, Dow Chem and LG Chem in Slump…Why?

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Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter /jjoo@olednet.com

 

Source: UBI Research, 2016 OLED Emitting Materials Annual Report

Source: UBI Research, 2016 OLED Emitting Materials Annual Report

 

In the midst of UDC`s domination of 2015 global materials market, with Japanese Idemitsu Kosan`s rapid growth and slump of emitting materials companied, there has been changes to the enviroment.

According to [2016 OLED Emitting Materials Annual Report] to be published by UBI Research in mid-April, the 2015 global emitting materials market recorded approximately a 17% growth compared to 2014

 

 

UDC’s revenue decreased from previous year, but remained at the top, the same as 2014. UDC was closely followed by Idemitsu Kosan despite its fourth place in 2014.

Such growth of Idemitsu Kosan is mainly due to its supply expansion in regards to Korean companies such as Samsung Display and LG Display. In 2015, Idemitsu Kosan began actively supplying Samsung Display with blue materials. Together with the increase in Idemitsu Kosan’s client LG Display’s OLED panel for TV mass production line’s operation rate, Idemitsu Kosan’s supply increased.

 

2015 Global OLED Emitting Materials Market Ranking Source: UBI Research, 2016 OLED Emitting Materials Annual Report

2015 Global OLED Emitting Materials Market Ranking
Source: UBI Research, 2016 OLED Emitting Materials Annual Report

 

◆ Samsung Display to Determine Up and Down of Companies

On the other hand, some OLED emitting materials companies that ranked high until 2014 showed poor performance. Dow Chem., that reached the second place in 2014 after UDC in revenue, fell to the fourth place in 2015 due to a big sales decrease. The third and fifth companies in 2014, LG Chem and Duksan Neolux respectively, fell below fifth place in 2015 due to the same reason.

Dow Chem. and Duksan Neolux are analyzed have recorded sales decrease in comparison to 2014 due to the supply chain changes of Samsung Display. In the case of LG Chem, the sales fell as the Samsung Display’s supply volume decreased.

However, Samsung SDI recorded sales increase, and entered within the top 5 in 2015. This company’s performance improved as it supplied Samsung Display with green host.

The company that recorded greatest growth is a Germany company Novaled that Samsung SDI, then Cheil Industries, took over. This company recorded approximately 150% revenue increase compared to previous year, and reached the third place in 2015 following UDC and Idemitsu Kosan. With the increase in OLED panel for TV mass production line’s operation rate, Novaled’s revenue greatly increased.

UBI Research estimated that in 2016, LG Display’s OLED TV mass production line operation rate and Galaxy Note series’ material structure, to be mass produced in the second half, will greatly affect revenue of OLED emitting materials companies.

Foxconn’s Takeover of Sharp, Who is the Biggest Casualty?

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Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

 

Sharp_Head_Office(Source : Wikipedia)

Sharp_Head_Office(Source : Wikipedia)

Following Foxconn’s takeover of Sharp, which company will end up suffering the most?

On March 30, Taiwan’s Hon Hai’s Foxconn agreed to buy Sharp for about $ 3.5 billion. With this decision, there is much focus on how it will affect the global display market.

 

Korean companies leading the global display market such as Samsung Display and LG Display as well as key display companies in Japan, China, and Taiwan are keenly interested in this takeover.

 

Some experts analyze that, out of these companies, the one being most threatened by this takeover will be Japan Display.

 

◆ Japan Display, May Not be Able to Retain OLED Supply for iPhone

 

As it became known that iPhone will replace the LCD panel with OLED for future iPhone, it is expected to create a great business within the OLED market. 3 companies, Samsung Display, LG Display, and Japan Display, have been considered as the most likely supplier for iPhone’s OLED panel.

 

Some media have reported that Samsung Display and Apple have already signed OLED supply agreement, and LG Display and Japan Display are known to be having a heated competition to become the secondary supplier.

 

However, this Foxconn’s takeover of Sharp could break the big 3. Of these, experts estimate that Japan Display is most likely to be pushed out.

 

iPhone’s largest LCD panel supplier is LG Display, with over 50%. Following this, Samsung Display and Japan’s Sharp are the second and third LCD panel supplier for iPhone but the order has not been confirmed.

 

As it became known that Apple will utilize OLED, Japan Display with investment plans for OLED mass production line rose as the possible panel supplier for Apple. Rather than Sharp, Japan Display became a strong candidate for OLED supplier for iPhone along with Samsung Display and LG Display.

 

However, it all changed when Foxconn bought Sharp. Sharp does not have OLED line for mobile device at the moment, but its small device LCD line is LTPS based that could be transformed to OLED. Foxconn, expected to invest in OLED sector, is likely to turn Sharp’s small device LCD line into OLED line.

 

Furthermore, Foxconn is Apple’s key production collaborator. Worse, even Foxconn’s newly bought Sharp is one of Apple’s panel suppliers. Excluding Samsung Display and LG Display with verified OLED technology prowess, Apple could choose Foxconn with closer connections rather than Japan Display as an OLED supplier.

 

One display industry expert explained that Foxconn could push out Japan Display regarding iPhone OLED supplier issue, and even if that does not happen, it will have very narrow standing. He added that although compared to Samsung Display and LG Display, Foxconn and Japan Display are both latecomers in OLED sector, Foxconn is in a more favorable position due to its solid relationship with Apple.

Foxconn Takes Over Sharp…what will happen to Samsung·LG?

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Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

Foxconn Decided to Buy Sharp for Approx. $ 3.5 billion, Source: Foxconn

Foxconn Decided to Buy Sharp for Approx. $ 3.5 billion, Source: Foxconn

 

On March 30, 2016, Taiwan’s Hon Hai’s Foxconn agreed to buy Sharp for about $ 3.5 billion. With this decision, there is much focus on how it will affect Korean display and set companies including Samsung and LG.

 

Foxconn, primarily an electronics contractor manufacturer, became responsible for Apple’s iPhone production and continued its growth. The fact that through this takeover Foxconn now possesses display mass production ability can greatly affect Korean companies that are currently leading the display and set market.

 

◆ Competition with Samsung·LG for iPhone Panel Supply Intensifies

 

A possible scenario for future includes Foxconn becoming a strong competitor for Samsung Display and LG Display in smartphone OLED sector for Apple’s iPhone.

 

Although Sharp is a company that produces LCD, it is estimated that Foxconn will invest in Sharp to mass produce OLED.

 

Apple is expected to release OLED equipped iPhone from 2017, and it is known that Samsung Display, strong in OLED, have agreed to supply the initial volume. As Apple has been close with LG in supply and demand of display, some believe that LG Display will become the biggest supplier in future.

 

However, if Apple’s key collaborator Foxconn begins to produce OLED, it could become a strong rival for Samsung and LG.

Sharp Headquarters, Source: Wikipedia

Sharp Headquarters, Source: Wikipedia

 

◆ Suggestion of Foxconn’s Own Brand Set Production Prospect

Foxconn, despite being a contract manufacturer, became widely known with great growth. As such, the company could branch out into producing sets under their own brand name. Furthermore, with the display mass production now possible with the Sharp takeover, this scenario is gaining traction. According to market experts, Foxconn is now able to expand its smartphone and TV set business. As Chinese set companies are rapidly growing to threaten Korean companies, the prospect of Foxconn’s set business cannot be ignored.

 

One display expert explained that as a key collaborator of Apple, Foxconn can successfully enter the smartphone panel market. He further analyzed that with Foxconn’s expertise in set production, their own brand set release is not too much to expect, and that this will be easier with the takeover of Sharp.

Blossoming April… Hurt by LCD, Heal with OLED

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Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

Flexible OLED from LGD(CES 2016)

Flexible OLED from LGD(CES 2016)

From April, the display industry is estimated to start mending the damage carried out by LCD with OLED.

 

In Q1 2016, Korean display industry suffered due to oversupply of Chinese LCD panels. Market experts believe that Samsung Display and LG Display will announce large Q1 deficit in April due to LCD.

 

However, the display market is expected to actively improve its performance from April.

 

Dong-won Kim, analyst with Hyundai Securities, estimated that great increase in profit is expected from Q2 2016 due to the increase in OLED operation rate and yield improvement. Also because of profitability improvement effect following LCD panel’s price rebound, the deficit will decrease.

 

LG Display’s performance in OLED sector is expected to noticeably improve. Over 90% of LG Display’s total mass production line is LCD at present. Hence, the fall of LCD price in Q1 is expected to have hit hard and OLED business is also showing deficit.

OLED TV from LG(CES 2016)

OLED TV from LG(CES 2016)

◆ After Harsh Q1, Warm Breeze of OLED… Spring for Equipment Industry Too

 

However, this will change from Q2. Analyst Hyeoncheol So of Shinhan Investment forecast that LG Display’s OLED TV sales volume and revenue in Q2 2016 will increase by 144% and 106% respectively. He added that the business deficit of OLED TV sector will greatly decrease.

 

LG Display is anticipating that the deficit will turn to profit in H2 2017, with the business profit of up to 1 trillion KRW in 2017, an increase of 115%.

 

Samsung Display, whose LCD and OLED ratio is 50:50, is expected to show 900,000 million KRW in deficit in LCD sector this first quarter. However, this is estimated to be compensated to some degree by the profit in OLED.

 

Samsung Display and LG Display are actively carrying out investment in OLED panel mass production line in Q1. As well as the investment in turning the existing LCD line to OLED, investment in new OLED line establishment is actively being carried out.

 

As such, with the optimistic outlook on OLED within the display market, flexible OLED manufacturing equipment companies such as Tera Semicon, Viatron Technologies, and Dong A Eltek had been discussed as the favorites of securities companies. In fact, Samsung Display’s flexible OLED manufacturing equipment related key collaborator AP Systems showed remarkable growth recording 12,100 million KRW in business profit last year.

 

UBI Research forecast that Korean companies will strengthen their dominance with their 2016 AMOLED shipment’s 95% occupancy of the global market. As OLED is becoming stronger in the TV, smartphone, and VR market, this will become a huge growth engine for global panel companies such as Samsung and LG.