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.
Elpida/PSC’s 10-15% output cut is not powerful enough to drive the swing. Most importantly are Korean makers, who have a combined market share of almost 50%, need to cut output by 10% or more to ensure stability in market.
Taipei, September 2, 2008 --- Demand for DRAM did not recover after the Beijing Olympics. Memory module makers, whom realize that their expectations have failed, are starting to initiate price cut in China.
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.