TV panel shipments decline in 2011

Shipments of large-area TFT LCD panels were 185.5 million in Q3’11, unchanged from Q2’11, but up 12% Y/Y. Revenues were down 2% Q/Q and 11% Y/Y.

According to the DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report, panel makers are targeting a very modest 2% growth in shipments for Q4’11, as downstream manufacturers and brands are expected to prepare for the holiday season.

Revenues are not expected to grow, however, because panel prices are still not showing signs of a rebound.

The TFT LCD industry has been in over supply for six quarters in a row and while panel prices rebounded slightly in Q2’11, it was only short term.

Q3’11 panel shipment growth has been hampered by stagnant economic conditions, especially for IT products and TVs. Panel makers did not achieve their goal of growing Q3’11 shipments 7% Q/Q and slow demand has been eroding panel prices in Q3’11.

According to the report, estimates based on panel makers’ shipment targets in Q4’11, 209 million LCD TV panels will be shipped in 2011, 5% fewer than the 220.8 million shipped during 2010. This would make 2011 the first year that LCD TV panel shipments decreased.

In Q3’11, only notebook and tablet PCs panel shipments increased Q/Q. As in Q2’11, tablet PC demand showed the strongest momentum, up 21% Q/Q and 246% Y/Y, while notebook PC panel shipments grew by 4% and 22%. Monitor panel shipments fell by 5% Q/Q, LCD TV panel shipments were nearly flat and mini-note panel shipments fell 30% Q/Q.

With the exception of notebook and tablet PC panels, revenues were down Q/Q for all applications due to panel price declines. Monitor, mini-note PC and LCD TV panel revenues fell by 5%, 34% and 2%. For mainstream LCD panels, prices have approached cash costs of the panel makers.