DisplaySearch: Global Large-size LCD Modules Grow 10% Q/Q

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Global shipments of large-area TFT LCD modules increased 10% quarter-to-quarter and 69% year-over-year to 65.5 million units, according to DisplaySearch.

DisplaySearch reported Q4 2005 sales of $14 billion, up 13% quarter-to-quarter and 78% year-over-year. For all of 2005, shipments rose 58% to 218.5 million panels while revenue rose 25% to $44 billion.

The firm noted that average selling prices rose 3% quarter-to-quarter and 5% year-over-year, due to tight supplies of notebook PC and LCD TV modules. However, for 2005 average selling prices declined 20% to $202.

Shipments of LCD TV modules keyed quarter growth, rising 29% quarter-to-quarter and 165% year-over-year to 10.1 million units. LCD TV panel revenue totaled $4.6 billion, up 34% quarter-to-quarter and 197% year-over-year.

Notebook PC panel shipments, at 19.8 million units, rose 16% quarter-to-quarter and 47% year-over-year. For 2005, notebook panel shipments rose from 47.1 to 63.5 million units, up 35%. Q4 LCD monitor shipments, at 32.9 million units, were flat with the previous quarter but up 64% year-over-year.

On an area basis, Samsung was the top fourth-quarter supplier with a 22% share, edging out LG.Philips LCD at 20.5%. AU Optronics, Chi Mei Optoelectronics, and Sharp rounded out the top five. By region, Taiwan overtook Korea on an OEM unit basis in Q4 and for all of 2005. However, Korean-based TFT LCD suppliers led on an area and revenue basis in these periods.

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