LG Electronics expect OLED TV sales portion to grow to mid 10% ~ 20% of total TV sales this year

LG Electronics announced at the conference call held on April, 26^th that the sales revenue and operating profit of its HE (Home Entertainment) business division were recorded KRW 4.12 trillion and KRW W577.3 billion, respectively in the first quarter of 2018. The sales declined due to the seasonal weakness, compared with the previous quarter, but grew 7.4% YoY. In particular, OLED TVs and UHD TVs led the growth.  Operating profit grew 76.5% YoY thanks to the continued premium product sales growth, material cost drop, and improved cost structure. The operating margin reached 14.0%, which is the first time that the HE division has achieved a double-digit OP margin. As for the second quarter forecast, LG Electronics said, “We expect TV demand to increase slightly compared to the same period of last year due to the impact of sports events on the market. In particular, the rapid growth of the premium TV market is expected to continue.”

LG Electronics also mentioned “With the plan for sales growth to be continued by responding timely to the demand for additional sports events, and strengthening sales of new products, we are going to maintain sound profit structure by increasing sales of OLED TVs and UHD TVs and enhancing cost competitiveness.”

Ha Jin-Ho, Senior Vice President of HE Division, LG Electronics said “ Achieving 14% operating profit in the 1^st quarter, 2018 means that we have strengthened our brand centered on value, with no more volume sales.’’ OLED TV has brought synergistic effects, and we will continue to operate TV business with profitability. The proportion of OLED TV sales is expected to grow from 10 percent last year to mid 10% ~20% of the total TV sales this year.” he added.