Feb 20, 2013
After incurring losses almost consistently throughout 2011-2012, Peng told shareholder members at a recent meeting that AUO expects 2013 to be a positive turnaround for the company and that its shipments are expected to pick up by the end of the first quarter of 2013 in order to meet demand in China during the May 1 holidays.
Peng added that the first quarter of each year is traditionally a slow period for shipments in the panel industry, hence the company has reduced its capacity utilization during January and February of 2013 and its shipments and revenues have been down on month as a result.
AUO’s January 2013 revenues amounted to NT$28.59 billion (US$963.1 million), down 10% on month but up 31.7% on year. Large-size panel shipments reached 8.49 million units, down 18.2% on month while small- to medium-size panel panel shipments reached over 9.1 million units, down 13.8% on month.
However, the company’s utilization rate is expected to bump up during March of 2013, which is when the company’s shipments including Ultra HD (3840 by 2,160) TV panel ones are expected to pick up, noted industry sources.
Meanwhile, AUO has reportedly settled its price-fixing lawsuit with AT&T, with the settlement being accounted for in AUO’s financial statement during the fourth quarter of 2012.
Source：digitimes.com