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Panel makers beat expectations in February, rebound expected in March
Rebecca Kuo, Tainan; Rodney Chan, DIGITIMES [Monday 10 March 2008]

Taiwan-based Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) beat fellow competitors in Taiwan's LCD panel industry in terms of February performance, as it reported a sequential growth in revenues for the month while the others all saw their sales drop. The better-than-expected performances during the month by Taiwan-based panel makers have fueled optimism that the LCD market will start growing strong in March industry sources commented.

Industry sources commented that the LCD panel market is warming up for a rebound in March from the lows of February to prepare for an upward price trend in the second quarter. Prices for PC applications may start going up in April, the sources added.

Panel makers expect March shipments and revenues to return to the levels of January, with a good chance that their first-quarter performances will match those for the third quarter of 2007, the sources said.