Strong Q1’08 Plasma Panel Results As Shipments Rise 53% Y/Y To More Than 3 Million Units, DisplaySearch Reports

[The following is a release from DisplaySearch]

April 30, 2008

After record-setting plasma display panel (PDP) shipments in Q4’07, units fell 19% Q/Q on normal seasonal weakness to 3.5 million units, according to the latest DisplaySearch Quarterly Global TV Shipment and Forecast Report, LCD and Plasma TV Panel Shipments, Supply and Forecast Module. However, units were up a strong 53% Y/Y, for several reasons: * Strong growth of 32” panels continued, rising from 11% to 15% of shipments during the quarter, as LCD supply remains tight and demand remains strong in developing markets for low priced flat panel TVs. * Matsushita started shipping 46” 1080p panels for the first time. * PDP still has a price advantage over LCD, with 42” HD PDP panels (including power supply and optical filter) $114 lower than comparable LCD pricing (including power supply) in March. The price difference will narrow by the end of the year, however. * 1080p PDP panels were nearly absent from the market in Q1’08, but now account for 11% of panel shipments. “Price declines slowed for PDP panels in Q1’08, with prices falling 6% Q/Q and 31% Y/Y to an average of $403 as compared to double-digit ASP declines in the first half of 2007. 42” class ASPs only fell by 1-2% Q/Q while 50”+ prices fell much faster, by as much as 10% Q/Q for 55-59” 1080p panels while 50” panels fell 4-7%.” noted Paul Gagnon, DisplaySearch Director of North America TV Research. Matsushita fell from #1 to #3 as a supplier in Q1’08, the first time they have not been the top supplier since Q3’06, as LGE’s share surged more than 6 points to 34.8% on 97% Y/Y growth. As the only supplier, LGE is riding on the growth of 32” panels. Samsung SDI moved up a spot to #2 for the first time with a 30.5% unit share on 95% Y/Y growth, largely from 42” shipments. Matsushita fell by 10 share points to 27% of shipments despite initial shipments of 46” 1080p panels. Hitachi and Pioneer had the only negative Y/Y growth, falling by 35% and 34%, respectively.

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