[Analyst Column] Green Light Lit for Korean Display Industry?

Dr. Choong Hoon Yi, Chief Analyst of UBI Research

Source: UBI Research

After the weak showing of 5 quarters, Korea’s display panel industry is distinctively showing trend of growth. According to Samsung Electronics and LG Display’s 1Q 2015 performance announcements, the total sales of Korean display of 1Q is approximately US$ 12,900,000,000. Compared to the previous quarter (QoQ) the sales showed a decrease of 9%, but compared to the same quarter of the previous year (YoY) it is a 20% increase.

The worst quarter of the last 2 years, in terms of sales performance, was 4Q 2013. Generally, 4Q which includes Christmas season shows best performance but in 2013 the numbers actually fell compared to 3Q. However, 2014 showed the more general flow of continued sales increase every quarter.

According to this quarterly performance, it is analyzed that 2015 Korean display panel will fit the growth pattern; YoY of this quarter and previous quarter shows 14% and 20% of growth respectively.

Source: UBI Research

The reason for Korean display industry’s recovery trend is LG Display’s continued positive performance. Comparing the market share in sales between Samsung Display and LG Display, LG Display is leading the market for the past 3 quarters occupying more than 50%.

The elevation in LG Display’s performance is seen to be from Apple iPhone 6’s improved performance. However, as the iPhone 6’s shipment increases, it is likely that the rival Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy sales will fall, leading toward the possible slowdown of Samsung Display’s performance.

Samsung Display and LG Display’s success will inevitably differ depending on the market share of world leading smart phone companies that they supply, Samsung Electronics and Apple. However, the Korean display industry, no matter which Korean company comes ahead, is expected to continue its growth.