AU Optronics übernimmt Waferhersteller M.Setek - 500 Beiträge pro Seite

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...der wiederum einer der Kernlieferanten von Sunpower ist.

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Taipeh 22.06.2009 (www.emfis.com) AU Optronics übernimmt den Solarzellen-Hersteller M. Setek. Wie das taiwanesische Unternehmen heute bekannt gab, investiere es in den japanischen Wafer-Produzenten zunächst 125 Millionen Dollar. Damit sichere man sich einen Mehrheitsanteil. Weitere Zukäufe sollen von der weiteren Geschäftsentwicklung bei M. Setek abhängig gemacht werden.

Daneben gab der taiwanesische Flachbildschirm-Produzent bekannt, ein Venture-Unternehmen mit dem chinesischen Konkurrenten Sichuan Changhong Electric aufzubauen. Im Zuge dessen solle in der Provinz Sichuan ein Gemeinschaftswerk aufgebaut werden, in dem die beiden Unternehmen Bildschirme für Fernseher, LCD-Monitore und entsprechende Komponenten produzieren würden. AU Optronics werde umgerechnet rund 14,6 Millionen Dollar in das Gemeinschaftsunternehmen investieren, und dafür 51 Prozent der Anteile erhalten. Die Maßnahme soll dem Unternehmen dabei helfen, verstärkt von der hohen chinesischen Nachfrage nach Unterhaltungselektronik zu profitieren.

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AU Optronics to purchase majority share in major Japanese polysilicon producer
22 June 2009 | By Mark Osborne | News > Materials


Taiwan based AU Optronics Corp is to make an initial US$125 million investment in Japanese polysilicon producer, M.Setek with the aim of gradually becoming the majority shareholder in the company as it makes a move to strengthen its position in the renewable energies market.

“This will mark a major step forward for AUO’s endeavor in energy business,” said K.Y. Lee, Chairman of AUO. “We are very much looking forward to collaborating with M.Setek, jointly bringing greater inputs to solar energy sources and providing better renewable energy solutions.”

In May, 2009 AU Optronics established AUO Energy Taiwan Corp (AET), with the intention of becoming an integrated renewable energy provider.

M.Setek is currently the 7th largest polysilicon producer in the world and has aggressive capacity expansion plans in place to reach over 30,000MT production by 2012. If the project is successful, M.Setek would become the 3rd largest producer by the end of 2012.

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Hsinchu, Taiwan, - (June 22, 2009)


AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO) today announced its decision, as resolved by its Board of Directors on June 19th, to subscribe new shares to be issued by M.Setek, which is a major polysilicon and monocrystal silicon wafers manufacturer in Japan. Such investment is for AUO to secure key materials in the solar industry and strengthen its strategic position in energy business. AUO’s preliminary plan is to invest US$125 million taking majority shareholding of M.Setek gradually, with investment amount to be finalized depending on future development of the investee.

Being a major supplier to renowned solar cell companies around the world, M.Setek is a company with leading technology that realizes high conversion rate of monocrystal silicon wafers for solar cells. Its capabilities and high-efficient products have always been highly recognized in the Industry. “This will mark a major step forward for AUO’s endeavor in energy business,” said K.Y. Lee, Chairman of AUO. “We are very much looking forward to collaborating with M.Setek, jointly bringing greater inputs to solar energy sources and providing better renewable energy solutions.”

Dr. L.J. Chen, President and CEO of AUO, also expressed that after extensive and careful planning, as well as the establishment of a dedicated R&D team, AUO’s energy business, guided by the strategy of total solution, has been proactively making sound presences throughout the value chain of energy business, aiming to offer the finest integrated technology and services to the world. This includes the collaborations with system house for photovoltaics (PV) in a bit to swiftly accumulate capabilities in system integration and design at the end market.

Furthermore, the Company has established a 100%-owned energy company called AUO Energy Taiwan Corp. (AET) presided by Max Cheng as the Chairman in May 2009, which dedicates to provide integrated technical supports in energy system. The AET will provide more extensive value-added services in the future, including installation of energy system fueled by solar or other renewable energies for power plants, industrial facilities, commercial buildings and households. Currently, the AET together with system providers is actively participating in relevant solar energy projects in Taiwan and around the world.

Chairman Lee also emphasized that AUO has already possessed sound energy- efficient technologies in TFT-LCD Industry and by acquiring integrated capacities in both solar upstream and downstream industry, it is hoped that AUO will swiftly establish its leading presence in energy Industry. “More importantly, by injecting more resources and efforts, we hope to see the realization of renewable energy products with higher efficiency in a bit to solve human beings’ energy needs in the long run, as well as to protect the Earth.” he added.

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AU Optronics to Purchase Majority Shares in M.Setek
Jun 29, 2009 15:06
Nikkei Electronics Asia
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AU Optronics Corp (AUO) has announced plans to invest US$125 million in taking a majority shareholding of M.Setek, in order to secure key materials in the solar industry and strengthen its strategic position in the energy business.

M.Setek is a major polysilicon and monocrystal silicon wafer manufacturer in Japan; its technology realizes a high conversion rate of monocrystal silicon wafers for solar cells.

"This will mark a major step forward for AUO's endeavor in the energy business," said K Y Lee, chairman of AUO. "We are very much looking forward to collaborating with M.Setek, jointly bringing greater inputs to solar energy sources and providing better renewable energy solutions."

The company established an energy company called AUO Energy Taiwan Corp (AET) in May 2009, which is dedicated to providing integrated technical support in energy systems. AET will provide more extensive value-added services in the future, including installation of energy system fueled by solar or other renewable energies for power plants, industrial facilities, commercial buildings and households.

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AU Optronics takes 50% share in M. Setek

Saturday 04th July, 04:30 AM JST

TOKYO —

AU Optronics Corp. will buy a 50 percent share in polycrystalline silicon maker M. Setek Co., Ltd. of Japan for US$125 million. The acquisition will offer AUO access to the solar-energy business, which the LCD maker has been watching for a while. The company chairman, K.Y. Lee, said green-energy industries have become attractive to big enterprises, with energy saving and clean energy emerging as trends.

AUO, Taiwan’s No.1 manufacturer of thin-film transistor liquid-crystal display (TFT-LCD) panels, will become another major Taiwanese enterprise to enter into the solar-energy industry, trailing heavyweights such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. (TSMC), Formosa Plastics Corp. and Tatung Corp. Founded to produce monocrystalline-silicon wafers, M. Setek recently diversified into production of polycrystalline silicon. The company now puts out 3,000 metric tons of polycrystalline silicon a year, enough for making 300 megawatts of solar cells.

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23.07.2009 09:12
AU Optronics Corp. Reports 2Q2009 Results

HSINCHU, Taiwan, July 23 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO) today announced unaudited results for 2Q2009. AUO posted second-quarter consolidated revenue of NT$82.5 billion (US$2.5 billion), net loss of NT$6.6 billion (US$ 201 million), and net loss attributable to equity holders of the parent company NT$6.8 billion (US$208 million). This represented an EPS of NT$ -0.80 per common share (US$ -0.24 per ADR unit), substantially improved from an EPS of NT$ -2.39 a quarter ago.

As for the first half of 2009, AUO reported consolidated revenues of NT$133.2 billion (US$4.1 billion), net loss of NT$26.8 billion (US$818 million), and basic EPS of NT$ -3.19 per common share (US$ -0.97 per ADR.)

Second Quarter Result Highlights -- Revenue of NT$82.5 billion, up 62.6% remarkably -- Net loss of NT$6.6 billion (EPS of NT$ -0.80 per common share) -- Gross margin of 1.4% -- Operating margin of -5.4% -- EBITDA (*) margin of 21.5%

In the second quarter of 2009, AUO beat Q2 guidance and shipped 22.4 million of large-sized panels and 60.8 million units of small- and medium-sized panels, up 70.4% and 41.7% QoQ, respectively. For the first half of 2009, AUO large-sized panels totaled 35.6 million units and small- and medium-sized panels grew considerably to 103.8 million units.

"Driven by much better end demand, our operating results improved significantly from previous quarter. Supported by better average selling price, higher utilization rates, and continuous efforts on cost reduction, the Company was able to turn profitable on gross margins," said Mr. Andy Yang, Chief Financial Officer of AUO. "As a result, the EBITDA (*) margin rose sharply to 21.5%, compared to 1.7% a quarter ago. Our Inventory Turnover Days was also maintained at historical low level of 32 days.

"Thanks to the strong supports from our customers, vendors and AUO employees, the Company was able to timely sharpen itself in the downturn and further strengthen its competitiveness amid the macroeconomic challenges," highlighted Dr. L.J. Chen, President and CEO of AUO.

"On top of the ongoing efforts on the environmental-friendly products, AUO will continue to develop in new technology and high-value products, such as E-paper or E-labels," added Dr. Chen. "In addition, we have started investing in solar PV and expect energy business to serve as an additional growth driver in the future, truly making the Company as a global leader in green solutions."

(*) EBITDA=Operating Income +D&A * Amounts converted by an exchange rate of NTD32.77:USD1 as of June 30, 2009. * All financial information was unaudited and was prepared by the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Taiwan ("ROC GAAP") ABOUT AU OPTRONICS

AU Optronics Corp. (AUO) is the worldwide top 3 manufacturer* of thin film transistor liquid crystal display panels (TFT-LCD). AUO is able to provide customers a full range of panel sizes and comprehensive applications, offering TFT-LCD panels in sizes ranging from 1.2 inches to greater than 65 inches. AUO generated NT$423.9 billion (US$12.9 billion) in sales revenue in 2008 and now houses a staff of more than 40,000 employees throughout its global operations spreading across Taiwan, Mainland China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the U.S., and Europe. Additionally, AUO is the first pure TFT-LCD manufacturer to successfully list at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). For more information, please visit AUO.com.

* DisplaySearch 4Q2008 WW Large-Area TFT-LCD Shipment Report dated February 25, 2009. This data is used as reference only and AUO does not make any endorsement or representation in connection therewith. 2008 year end revenue converted by an exchange rate of NTD32.76:USD1.

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23.07.2009 08:38
Taiwan AU Optronics sees Q3 shipments, prices rising

TAIPEI, July 23 (Reuters) - Taiwan's AU Optronics Corp , the world's No.3 LCD maker, said on Thursday it expected shipments and prices of TV and PC panels to rise in the third quarter from the previous three months, indicating improving global demand.

AU Optronics said in an investors' conference it expected third quarter shipments of TV panels to rise 10 percent from the second quarter, while shipments for PC panels are seen up 20 percent during the same period.

The forecasts came after AU said it posted a net loss of T$6.6 billion ($201 million) in April-June, its third straight quarterly net loss, but the shortfall narrowed from the previous three months on recovering panel sales and prices.

($1=T$32.8)

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10/08/2009
Demand surges to recruit PV specialists

Head hunting companies have been looking for experts in photovoltaic (PV) systems and modules on behalf of large enterprises hoping to step into the field, according to industry sources.

The enterprises may include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), AU Optronics and Foxconn (Hon Hai Precision Industry) as well as China-based makers, the sources pointed out.

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AUO aims to ship over 100MWp of PV modules in 2010, says president

Nuying Huang, Taipei; Adam Hwang, DIGITIMES [Friday 23 October 2009]

AU Optronics (AUO) has begun production of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules, with shipments estimated at 15-20MWp (megawatt-peak) in 2009 and over 100MWp in 2010, according to company president & CEO LJ Chen.

The LCD panel maker, which on October 1 established a PV business division, currently produces 1.2m x 1.8m PV module panels each with power-generating capacity of 380-385 watts, Chen said at an investors conference on October 22.

AUO will also begin production of thin-film PV module panels in 2010, Chen noted.

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AU Optronics to set up LCD plant in Slovak Republic

STAFF WRITER, WITH CNA
Friday, Dec 04, 2009, Page 11

AU Optronics Corp (AUO, 友達光電) said it would invest more than 191 million euros (US$280 million) starting next year to set up a liquid-crystal-display (LCD) plant in the Slovak Republic.

The plant, which will manufacture, assemble and sell back-end LCD modules, will be AUO’s second manufacturing base in Europe, a company spokesman said yesterday.

LETTER OF INTENT

AUO chairman Lee Kun-yao (李焜耀), who signed a letter of intent for the plant construction with Slovakian Economic Minister Lubomir Jahnatek a day earlier, said Europe is one of the major markets for LCD TVs.

AUO, the world’s No. 3 LCD panel maker, also sees Europe as a market with high growth potential for the firm’s green business.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Slovakian Deputy Prime Minister Dusan Caplovic and Taiwanese Representative to Slovakia Chen Chiun-ming (陳俊明) in Bratislava, AUO said.

Slovakia, which became part of the euro-zone this year, not only offers competitive talent, but also enjoys stable economic development, Lee said.

INNOVATION

Jahnatek said at the signing ceremony that Slovakia welcomed AUO’s decision to establish a manufacturing plant in the country because this was in line with its policy of attracting investment from industries that promote innovation, research and high technology.

AUO also has LCD plants in Taiwan’s Longtan and Taichung City, as well as China’s Suzhou, Songjiang and Xiamen and in the Czech Republic.

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By Eric Savitz

AU Optronics (AUO), the #3 global LCD display producer, is mulling its first acquisition since 2006 as consolidation in the sector increased, Chairman K.Y. Lee told Bloomberg.

“Either we grow organically inside, or we have a chance to acquire outside capacity,” Lee, said. “It’s time many companies should consolidate to reduce competition.”

The piece noted that Chungwa Picture Tubes sales jumped 26% last month on takeover speculation centered around AUO after Hon Hai Group agreed to buy Chi Mei Optoelectronics to create Taiwan’s biggest flat-panel company.

AU is smaller than rivals Samsung and LG Display (LPL).

Lee also said the company will likely increase capital spending next year by 20%-30%.

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AUO mulling purchase of solar cells from E-Ton

Nuying Huang, Taipei; Adam Hwang, DIGITIMES [Wednesday 16 December 2009]

AU Optronics (AUO) is considering placing orders with E-Ton Solar Tech for supply of 50MWp of solar cells in 2010, according to industry sources.

In response, the Taiwan-based solar cell supplier said it has sent samples to AUO but is not sure whether it can obtain orders. The LCD panel makers indicated it plans to seek a few suppliers, but declined to reveal details.

AUO earlier this year became a shareholder of Japan-based polycrystalline silicon maker M.Setek, which is a major material supplier for E-Ton. The business connection is conducive to the cooperation between AUO and E-Ton, the sources commented.

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29.01.2010 11:14
AU Optronics Increases Cash Investment to M.Setek for Enhancing Value Chain in Solar Business

HSINCHU, Taiwan, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO) today announced its decision, approved by its Board of Directors on January 29th, to subscribe new shares to be issued by M.Setek for seizing the highly-growing Solar market opportunities and accelerating establishment of key material capacity. AUO will invest 15 billion yen to strengthen its strategic position in solar value chain.

Being a major supplier to renowned solar cell companies around the world, M.Setek's leading technology realizes high conversion rate of monocrystal silicon wafers for solar cells. M.Setek is one of the few global suppliers which could provide high quality and high-efficient solar wafer. For strengthening its strategic position in Solar value chain, AUO decided to subscribe new shares to be issued by M.Setek for further expanding the capacity and enhancing financial healthiness. Meanwhile, AUO will provide the experiences of flexible reactions to the fast changing industry and its management resources. The investment will help M.Setek to perform better in operation, sales, and finance, and will be able to develop Japan and overseas market. After the cash investment to its operation, M.Setek's construction of the second fab in Soma will be completed. The capacity of monocrystal silicon will be significantly increased from 3,000 tons to 7,000 tons. This will be the best support for AUO to expand its solar business aggressively.

AUO has actively invested in solar business and planned for both solar upstream and downstream value chains. AUO has shipped its solar modules to Europe since June 2009. The first solar park project in Hungen city, Germany was also on-grid by end of 2009. The 3MWp solar-power plant using AUO's PV modules can supply electricity for 800 households. In addition to establishing a Reliability Lab for PV module's quality assurance, AUO is building a module production line in Taichung and the line will be ramped up in Q1 2010. AUO is also recruiting a large number of R&D talents for the energy business and plans to build up the first solar business operation base in China. With the strategy of providing the total solution, AUO will cooperate with the partners in the industrial value chain to develop the solar market globally.

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Antwort auf Beitrag Nr.: 38.843.798 von R-BgO am 29.01.10 16:35:39

AUO to add investment of NT$10-15 billion in PV business in 2010, says CEO

Adam Hwang, DIGITIMES, Taipei [Friday 29 January 2010]

AU Optronics (AUO) will make a non-operating investment estimated at NT$10-15 billion (US$313-469 million) in its PV business operations in 2010. Most of the capital will go towards increasing the annual poly-Si material production capacity of AUO's Japan-based subsidiary M.Setek by 4,000 metric tons (MT), company CEO and president Chen Lai-juh said at an investors conference on January 28.

M.Setek is setting up a second poly-Si factory with an annual production capacity of 4,000MT in Japan which is scheduled for completion in 2010, increasing its total capacity from 3,000MT currently to 7,000MT, Chen pointed out. Poly-Si material produced at M.Setek's new factory can be used to turn out solar cells with an energy conversion rate as high as 20%, Chen indicated.

The remainder of AUO's non-operating investment will mainly go to AUO Energy Taiwan, AUO's wholly-owned subsidiary providing PV system solution services, enabling it to set up crystalline silicon PV module production in-house, Chen pointed out.

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AU Optronics Corp evaluating sites for panel plant in China
MONEY TALKS: The company said it would be more cost-efficient to do all the production in China, to enable direct delivery to Chinese TV manufacturers
By Jason Tan
STAFF REPORTER
Friday, Mar 05, 2010, Page 12

AU Optronics Corp (友達光電), the nation’s largest liquid-crystal-display (LCD) panel maker, is finalizing details on establishing a 7.5-generation plant in eastern China, a company official said.

“We are still preparing the final details for the submission,” company marketing manager Freda Lee (李秀芬) said by telephone yesterday. “We will submit the proposal as soon as possible.”

AU Optronics is aggressively moving into the Chinese market after new measures easing restrictions on Taiwanese panel and semiconductor manufacturing investment in China took effect this week.

The company, which has a complete supply chain, is evaluating potential sites in eastern China, and to stay close to its LCD module plant in Suzhou. Possible locations include Kunshan and Suzhou, it said.

Taiwanese panel makers were previously banned from setting up LCD panel production lines across the Strait. They had to ship panels produced in Taiwan to China, then assemble them with the modules manufactured there.

AU Optronics said it would be more cost-efficient to do all the production in China to enable direct delivery of the finished products to Chinese TV makers.

The company’s board approved the plan to invest US$1.2 billion for the 7.5-generation plant on Wednesday.

The Investment Commission, which is in charge of approving China-bound investments, has said it generally takes more than a month to assess whether a submission passes the mandatory requirements.

Separately, Powerchip Semiconductor Corp (力晶半導體), the nation’s second-largest computer memory chipmaker, said on Wednesday it would invest US$15 million to set up an LED factory in China, as it diversifies into the sustainable energy sector.

The company’s plant will be located in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province.

Powerchip said it was still assessing the feasibility of setting up an 8-inch wafer fab in China.

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AUO to install 30MWp solar cell production line


Nuying Huang, Taipei; Adam Hwang, DIGITIMES [Friday 9 April 2010]

LCD panel maker AU Optronics (AUO) will install a crystalline silicon solar cell production line with an annual capacity of 30MWp at its plant in central Taiwan later in April, according to industry sources.

In response, AUO indicated production line is meant to be mainly for R&D purposes rather than volume production of solar cells. AUO is more likely to procure solar cells from Taiwan-based makers instead of producing its own, the company said.

Instead of relying on a turnkey solution, AUO is procuring separate items of equipment from different suppliers. It will then assemble the items into its own solar cell line to emphasize its own technological capabilities, the sources noted.

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TSMC and AUO chooses sputtering for developing CIGS thin-film modules


Nancy Cheng, Taipei; Willie Teng, DIGITIMES [Wednesday 21 April 2010]

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and AU Optronics (AUO) have sped up their respective cooperation with equipment providers for development of CIGS (copper-indium-gallium-selenide) thin-film PV modules through sputtering process, according to industry sources.

AUO and TSMC have declined to comment on the report.

TSMC and AUO will focus on 600mm x 1,200mm large-size panels and 50mm x 50mm panels, respectively, the sources indicated.

The Taiwan-based companies plan to erect a higher barrier for later CIGS entrants through close cooperation with equipment providers to develop exclusive technologies and patents, and to lower costs, the sources said.

TSMC and AUO as well as a number of suppliers of CIGS materials and equipment have joined Taiwan's CIGS Industry Alliance, which was established on April 6, 2010 with support from Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

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Taiwan company taps solar opportunities in Czech Republic
2010/05/13 21:19:32
Taipei, May 13 (CNA) Taiwan's AU Optronics Corp. (AUO) , one of the world's largest producers of flat panel displays, has announced that it plans to set up a solar module plant in the Czech Republic.

Industry analysts consider AUO's venture into the Czech Republic a swift move to secure a berth in the fast-growing green energy industry in Europe, which is the biggest solar module market in the world.

If AUO's plan succeeds, it will become the first Taiwanese company to set up an automatic solar module facility in Europe. With a section of its solar panel plant and TV assembly factory already in place in the Czech Republic, AUO will be able to achieve production capacity of 100 megawatts (MW) by 2011, with two to three new production lines, analysts have forecast.

According to AUO, its experience in making thin film transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT-LCDs) and its ability to operate both upstream and downstream in the solar industry has helped it to gain momentum in the bid to build a solar power factory in Europe.

AUO is able to acquire high-quality materials to make the polysilicon and monocrystal silicon wafers used in solar panels, since it bought a majority stake in the Tokyo-based silicon wafer maker M. Setek Co. earlier this year.

The investment is believed to have helped AUO strengthen its position in the solar value chain.

The advantage of the Czech Republic's location in the heart of Europe will help speed up services to European customers, AUO said. It will also reduce carbon emissions caused by shipping products from Asia to Europe and thus strengthen AUO's quest for cleaner energy, the company said.

In the initial stages of its Czech operations, AUO plans to produce polysilicon and to begin production of thin-film solar modules next year. (by Christie Chen) Enditem/pc

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TAIPEI, July 28 (Reuters) - Taiwan's AU Optronics Corp , the world's No.4 LCD maker, said on Wednesday it would build two solar plants on the island as part of its efforts to diversify into the solar market.

AU President L.J. Chen told reporters that the new plants are part of its commitment to invest T$400 billion ($12.5 billion) in Taiwan in 2011-2022. However, Chen said the company has not yet decided if they would set up solar cell or module plants.

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AUO to focus on solar modules


Susie Pan, Taipei; Willie Teng, DIGITIMES [Thursday 29 July 2010]

AU Optronics (AUO) will leverage its experience in display panels to focus on solar modules in the solar energy sector.

AUO will not manufacture everything from upstream to downstream in-house, said company president HB Chen. For upstream materials to midstream solar cell manufacturing, AUO will outsource, make acquisitions and form joint ventures, Chen said, adding its opportunities lie in solar modules.

In 2009, AUO acquired a 65% stake in M.Setek, a Japan-based poly-Si material producer, and recently established a solar cell facility with SunPower in Malaysia.

AUO, which presently has facilities in Taiwan, China and Europe, expects to double its current solar module capacity in 2011.

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HSINCHU, Taiwan, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO) today announced its preliminary consolidated August 2010 revenue of NT$43,545 million, up by 12% month-over-month and 15.5% year-over-year.

Large-sized panel(a) shipments for August 2010, with applications on desktop monitors, notebook PCs, LCD TVs and other applications, exceeded 9.91 million units, up by 7.1% from the previous month. As for small- and medium-sized panels, the shipments amounted to nearly 18.15 million units, up by 4.9% month-over-month.

(a) Large-sized refers to panels that are 10 inches and above in diagonal measurement while small- and medium-sized refers to those below 10 inches.

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AUO and Taiwan Cogen to jointly set up solar power plant company


Rebecca Kuo, Tainan; Willie Teng, DIGITIMES [Friday 1 October 2010]

Taiwan's National Science Council (NSC) has approved plans for AU Optronics (AUO) and Taiwan Cogen to set up a solar power plant joint venture. AUO indicated that the company is currently wholly-owned by Taiwan Cogen, which is also responsible for setting up the operation, but confirmed that the new company will utilize the roof of AUO's manufacturing facility at Central Taiwan Science Park to construct a 9.9MWp solar system. Details to the joint venture investment and partnership will be finalized at the end of 2010.

The solar power facility will adopt AUO's PM318B00 monocrystalline silicon module, which has a 19.5% efficiency rate, according to the NSC, noting that the module generates low thermals and can operate under weaker sunlight conditions. The AUO and Taiwan Cogen cooperation could be a positive step for the science park to attract more PV companies, NSC added.

Solar system installation in Taiwan has increased from just 3000KWp in 2000 to 30-50MWp applied projects in 2010, the NSC pointed. Taiwan's solar power generating capacity is expected to rise to 320MWp in 2015 and up 1GWp in 2025.

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AUO to build solar cell plant in Taichung Export Processing Zone, says paper


EDN, October 8; Willie Teng, DIGITIMES [Friday 8 October 2010]

Officials from Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) revealed that AU Optronics (AUO) will invest NT$25 billion (US$812.45 million) to construct a solar cell production facility at the Taichung Export Processing Zone, according to a report by the Chinese-language Economic Daily News (EDN).

Plans for the facility were approved by MOEA in September. The solar plant will take up 10 hectares and house at least 2,500 employees.

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AUO reorganizes into two-prong structure for display and solar


Press release; Yvonne Yu, DIGITIMES [Monday 11 October 2010]

AU Optronics (AUO) has announced changes to its organization, promoting four new VPs to instill fresh impetus into the organization, as well as to ensure sustainable enterprise operation and long-term development, and to enhance the effectiveness of the management team.

Under the new organizational structure, AUO will operate based on two core businesses of display and solar. Each business will have its own production, research and development (R&D), as well as sales and marketing functions, with dedicated team force, to meet the different industry demands for the proactive development of the two core businesses in parallel.

The display business will be handled by executive VP Paul Peng. Due to the strategic role of the solar business to AUO's future positioning in the green energy industry and its long-term importance, the solar business will be led by LJ Chen, president of AUO.

The four new VPs are: the display business' Frank Ko, who will be in charge of the TV Display Business Group; KP Chu, who will be in charge of global supply chain management; James Chen, who will be in charge of the Solar Business Group, and Shih-Kun Chen, who will be in charge of global solar manufacturing. To further implement the deputy system, Max Cheng will serve as acting president and assist in matters related to the development of the solar business.

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AUO SunPower Fab 3 Produces Initial Solar Cells Yielding 22.2 Percent Conversion Efficiency

Joint Venture on Track to Meet Strong Demand in 2011

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct 14, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today announced that AUO SunPower Sdn. Bhd., its joint venture (JV) solar cell fabrication facility (Fab 3) in Malaysia with AU Optronics Corp. (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO), has successfully manufactured the first 100 solar cells, yielding a minimum conversion efficiency of 22.2 percent.

"Our initial production runs at Fab 3 exceeded 22 percent conversion efficiency, a truly remarkable achievement," said Tom Werner, SunPower CEO. "This milestone positions AUO SunPower to meet the strong, global demand for our leading solar technology in 2011 and beyond. The combined AUO SunPower team has hit the ground running and is demonstrating our ability to attain our collective high standards of quality and reliability, while meeting our planned production schedules."

Construction and ramp of manufacturing in Fab 3 will continue through 2013 and, when complete, will generate more than 1,400 megawatts per year of high-efficiency solar cells. The company anticipates commercial production to ramp up later this year.

"The AUO SunPower JV combines SunPower's leading solar cell technology with AUO's advanced manufacturing technology and efficient management," said Mr. Feng Liang Chiu, President of AUO SunPower Sdn. Bhd., appointed by AUO. "The AUO SunPower JV is a win-win alliance that provides customers the maximum value."

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AUO SunPower plant in Melaka to generate 1,400 megawatts annually of solar cells in 2013

* News

2010-12-16 10:47

ALOR GAJAH, Wednesday 15 December 2010 (Bernama) -- Melaka-based AUO SunPower Corporation Sdn Bhd (AUO SunPower) is expected to generate more than 1,400 megawatts annually of high-efficency solar cells when fully completed in 2013.

Its Chief Executive Officer Thomas H.Werner said, the factory here, is one of the biggest and greenest in the world.

It has been in operation since October this year with a 60 percent capacity and will produce 400 million high-efficiency solar cells annually when fully ramped.

"AUO SunPower is a joint venture between Sunpower Corporation and AUO, a Taiwan-based entity," he said, when speaking to reporters at a media conference after the opening of the plant by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak here this evening.

Also present was Melaka Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The first phase infrastructure of the fabrication plant was completed at a cost of US$600 million and employs more than 1,100 workers.

The company is expected to invest another US$600 million for the second phase of development, to begin next year, on the 51.2-hectare site.

SunPower Corporation is based in San Jose, California in the United States and is among the top five companies in the world with an expected US$2 billion revenue this year.

AUO SunPower's export market comprises Italy, Germany and France – the biggest solar panel users in the world.

The plant in Melaka has been recognised by the International Energy Agency for energy efficient design with one of the largest rainwater retention ponds in Malaysia.

[R-BgO]

AUO to Build New Factory of Solar Cell Materials in Taiwan
2010/12/28
Taipei, Dec. 28, 2010 (CENS)--The Taiwan-based AU Optronics Corp. (AUO), a globally leading display panel maker, has decided to invest a total of NT$25 billion in production of solar cell materials in Taichung City, central Taiwan, in a bid to secure stable material supply.

Chungkang Export Processing Zone Administration officials have confirmed that AUO has rented 8.8 hectares of land in the zone and planned to spend NT$4.2 billion initially to build a new factory dedicated to crystal growing and silicon wafer fabricating there. The factory is scheduled to be operational in 2011 to serve as AUO’s major manufacturing base of solar cell materials.

In addition to the plant, the firm has just kicked off construction of another factory for sapphire substrates in Central Taiwan Science Park, showing its ambition to build an integrated supply chain of solar cell materials. From another perspective, industry insiders noted that AUO’s dedication to upstream production will enable it to reap profits more quickly than to midstream manufacturing, mainly because solar cell materials usually generate two times higher profits than solar cells.

In the meantime, a high-power solar cell manufacturing factory established jointly by AUO and U.S.-based SunPower in Taichung will also become online in early 2011, which will turn out 50 megawatts of solar cells with photoelectric conversion efficiency rating as high as 23%.

With expanded output of both solar cells and upstream materials, AUO will also start to build a solar cell module plant in North America soon, well on its way to becoming a top-caliber supplier in the global supply chain of solar cells.

[R-BgO]

AUO Crystal sets up solar wafer fab in central Taiwan


Press release, February 11; Willie Teng, DIGITIMES [Friday 11 February 2011]

AU Optronics (AUO) subsidiary AUO Crystal Corp (ACC) will establish a solar wafer plant in Taiwan's Chungkang Export Processing Zone, under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

The groundbreaking ceremony of the first phase of construction was held on February 11, with equipment move-in scheduled for August and volume production in the fourth quarter. Multicrystalline ingot and wafer capacity of the first phase will total 300MW, and the facility will span 8.5 hectares.

[R-BgO]

AUO subsidiary ACC starts construction of solar-grade monocrystalline ingot/wafer factory


Rebecca Kuo, Taipei; Adam Hwang, DIGITIMES [Tuesday 12 April 2011]

AU Optronics' (AUO) subsidiary AUO Crystal Corporation (ACC) on April 11 held a groundbreaking ceremony for the first-phase development of its factory of solar-grade monocrystalline silicon ingots and wafers in the Houli site of the Central Taiwan Science Park, with equipment to be installed in November 2011 and production to kick off in the first quarter of 2012, according to AUO press release.

This will be ACC's third factory in Taiwan, with the other two located in two other sites of the science park, AUO noted. The first factory of slicing solar-grade polycrystalline silicon ingots into wafers will begin production in the second quarter and the second one of growing such ingots from polycrystalline silicon produced by Japan-based M.Setek, AUO's subsidiary, will do so in the fourth quarter of 2011, AUO pointed out.

The third factory occupies a land site of two hectares (4.94 acres) and will have an initial annual production capacity equivalent to 250MWp, AUO indicated. There is vacant land of 6.5 hectares reserved for expansion of the factory to a total annual capacity of 1GWp, and the factory expects to employ 1,200 persons in three years, AUO added.

ACC has a factory engaged in advanced slicing of ingots into wafers in Malaysia, the only overseas one with operation beginning at the end of 2010, AUO indicated.

[R-BgO]

AUO to showcase more OLED products in 2012
Siu Han, Hsinchu; Jackie Chang, DIGITIMES [Wednesday 29 February 2012]
Facing growing challenges from South Korea-based LCD makers, Paul Peng, president of AU Optronics (AUO), has indicated that OLED products will be a new battlefield for the firms to compete. AUO plans to begin production of small-size OLED products in second-quarter 2012.

The future of the panel industry depends on technologies, said Peng. AUO plans to showcase OLED products larger than 32-inch, added Peng. The price of OLED panel applications has been high because the equipment and material costs are very expensive, stated Peng. AUO has been cooperating with Japan-based firms to develop new materials and applications for OLED panels.

In addition, one-glass solutions (OGS) will be the main focus for touch products.

The market has been concerned with the debt issues of panel makers. Peng noted that AUO currently has long-term debt in Taiwan of about NT$45-48 billion (US$1.53-1.63 billion) and some will be due in 2012. However, AUO already prepared for the payment in 2011, and cash and cash equivalents at the end of 2011 amounted to NT$90 billion.

AUO plans to promote green innovations for the next three years. AUO aims to reduce carbon emissions of all plants by 25% in 2015 compared to 2010.

[R-BgO]

AUO to hire 2,500 engineers for display, solar units
Jessie Shen, DIGITIMES, Taipei [Tuesday 13 March 2012]


AU Optronics (AUO) has announced plans to recruit a total of 2,500 engineers for the development of the company's advanced display technologies, including AMOLED and 3D displays, as well as solar energy R&D and manufacturing. Recruitment for the job openings has kicked off in March, according to the Taiwan-based panel maker.

AUO previously said that the company expects to start mass producing AMOLED panels at its 3.5G and 4.5G plants in the second quarter of 2012.

In addition, AUO recently announced BenQ Solar as the new brand name of its solar module products. BenQ Solar has established distribution channels in North America, Europe and Asia, and will continue to expand its global channel network, AUO was quoted as saying in previous reports.

[R-BgO]

AUO to adopt printing process for producing AMOLED panels
Julian Ho, Taipei; Adam Hwang, DIGITIMES [Thursday 27 September 2012]


Taiwan-based TFT-LCD panel maker AU Optronics (AUO) hopes to increase its AMOLED material usage to 70-80% by using printing processing, which is expected to be the mainstream for producing large-size AMOLED panels in the future, according to industry sources.

AUO thinks that printing involves relatively low costs, including depreciation of equipment, when used in the production of AMOLED panels for TVs, the sources pointed out.

In addition, AUO prefers use of oxide TFT to make large-size AMOLED panels while Samsung Electronics has adopted LTPS which has advantages of high stability and mobility of electrons but has higher production costs, the sources indicated.

[R-BgO]

AUO to start mass production of 4.3-inch AMOLED panels in 2013
Rebecca Kuo, Taipei; Alex Wolfgram, DIGITIMES [Friday 26 October 2012]


AU Optronics (AUO) is still facing issues with mass producing 4.3-inch AMOLED panels but is expected to solve the problems sometime in 2013, according to company vice president Dagang Wu.

AUO originally planned to mass produce 4.3-inch panels for use in smartphones in the second quarter of 2012, but faced issues with low yield rates. AUO said the panels are at the sampling stage and will be ready for mass production in 2013.

Wu also said he is optimistic about the use of AMOLED panels in smartphones from 2013-2014, stating that the technology is expected to start replacing LCDs. This will increase AMOLED penetration rate to 20%.

Meanwhile, AUO's R&D on large-size AMOLED panels for TVs is ongoing but various adjustments and improvements still need to be made before large-scale production can begin, according to AUO president Paul Peng.

[R-BgO]

AUO holds optimistic outlook for 2013 despite ongoing losses
Rebecca Kuo, Taipei; Rodney Chan, DIGITIMES [Friday 26 October 2012]


Despite its losses in the third quarter of 2012, LCD panel maker AU Optronics (AUO) is holding an optimistic outlook for 2013, as demand from the market will grow faster than capacity expansion at suppliers, according to company president Paul Peng.

With makers cautiously controlling their investment and capacity expansion, large-size panels have seen some tight supply in 2012, and supply will be even tighter in 2013, Peng said.

AUO expects overall panel demand to grow 8-15% in 2013, but supply will increase only 10%, which is expected to make 2013 a better year than 2012 for the LCD industry, he said.

As for the fourth quarter of 2012, TV panel demand remains significant, but IT applications will decline due to seasonality, AUO estimates. Large-size panel shipments will decrease 5%, but as TV panel unit price is high, large-size panel's average selling price (ASP) will go up 5%.

AUO expects its shipments to the small- to medium-size segment to drop 5-10% in the fourth quarter because of seasonality.

As TV panel shipments will increase in both volume and area in the fourth quarter, the company's overall capacity utilization rate in the quarter will be higher than that in the third quarter, according to AUO.

Peng said AUO's medium-size panel segment has seen significant orders from first-tier brands recently, with volume shipments to begin in the fourth quarter.

AUO has also increased the proportion of shipments to China-based smartphone brands in order to raise the utilization rates for its high-end LTPS panels.

Peng also said he expects panel demand for use in tablet products to increase and that AUO is continuing to bump up its proportion of panel production for the products.

AUO's capex for the first three quarters of 2012 came to about NT$35 billion (US$1.2 billion), and AUO CFO Andy Yang said capex for the entire 2012 is estimated at NT$42 billion, chiefly for equipment installation at its OLED plant in Singapore, payment for its 8B fab in central Taiwan, improvement to its AHVA equipment and investment in developing new manufacturing processes and technologies.

AUO's 2013 capex will be mostly used in upgrading technologies and converting manufacturing processes, Yang, said. The company is still estimating the capex for 2013, but the amount is expected to be much lower than that for 2012, the CFO added.

Although loss for its core LCD business decreased to NT$6.3 billion in the third quarter from NT$8.4 billion in the second quarter, loss from its solar PV business and provisions for an antitrust lawsuit widened AUO's net loss for the third quarter to NT$16.479 billion.

[R-BgO]

AUO technology leads China rivals by two generations, says company president
Julian Ho, Taipei; Alex Wolfgram, DIGITIMES [Monday 29 October 2012]


AU Optronics (AUO) is still leading its China-based competitors by two generations in terms of technology despite the quick rise of China's LCD panel industry, according to Paul Peng, president of the Taiwan-based maker.

Peng's remarks come in the wake of the company's recent accusation that two of its former R&D executives have leaked trade secrets to a China-based competitor.

The AUO president said team work is important to the panel industry. It involves a host of factors concerning production capacity, technology, the supply chain and human resource management, none of which can be handled by only a few people, he said, adding that tehcnological upgrade cannot be ahieved by simply recruiting one or two people from competitors.

He said China-based panel makers have been aggressively expanding their pools of talent, but so far they are still making mostly low-end products.

There are two roads for panel makers: one leading to the severe price competition in the low-end market, and the other to profitability through development of high-end products, Peng said. AUO is taking the latter one, which is the only one leading to sustaintable development, Peng said.

[R-BgO]

dehistorize

[R-BgO]

AUO reports declines in 4Q14 and 2014 performance

Press release, January 29; Alex Wolfgram, DIGITIMES [Thursday 29 January 2015]

AU Optronics (AUO) has announced revenues in the fourth quarter of 2014 were NT$105.45 billion (US$3.37 billion), down 1.3% from the previous quarter. Gross profit was NT$15.62 billion, with gross margin of 14.8%. Operating profit was NT$8.82 billion, with operating margin of 8.4%. AUO's net profit for the fourth quarter of 2014 was NT$6.57 billion. Net profit attributable to owners of the company was NT$6 billion, with a basic EPS of NT$0.62.

For the fiscal year of 2014, unaudited consolidated revenues totaled NT$408.18 billion, a decrease of 2% on year. Net profit was NT$18.06 billion, with a basic EPS of NT$1.83.

In the fourth quarter of 2014, large-sized panel shipments exceeded 29.4 million units, down slightly by 0.3% on quarter while shipments of small- to medium-size panels surpassed 42.71 million units, down 11.4% on quarter. For the full year of 2014, large-size panel shipments totaled around 116.92 million units, roughly flat from the previous year, and small- to medium-size panel shipments were around 170.71 million units, up by 11.9% compared to the previous year.

Looking back to the fourth quarter, AUO said although IT and small- to medium-size panels have entered the period of seasonal adjustment the TV panel market remained strong on the back of the inventory-stocking demand ahead of the Lunar New Year. Thanks to the depreciation of the NT Dollar and appropriate cost controls by the company, AUO's operating and EBITDA margin in the fourth quarter reached 8.4% and 21.2%, respectively. AUO's inventory also maintained a healthy level of 36 days.

The company closed 2014 with a net profit of NT$18.06 billion, rising as much as 324.7% on year to the highest in six years. In addition, management also endeavors to improve AUO's financial structure. As a result, the company's total debt was reduced by NT$42.02 billion for the full year, and its net debt to equity ratio was lowered considerably to 30.3%, the lowest in four years.

Looking forward to 2015, AUO added it will enhance its high-quality production capacity through appropriate level of investments, and continue to develop products with high cost-performance ratio. Furthermore, the company will proactively upgrade its existing technology base with a view to maintain its technology capability in the world's leading group and with a hope to continuously transcend itself and create a positive cycle with long-term profitability.

[R-BgO]

AUO denies rumors of potential merger with Innolux

Rebecca Kuo, Tainan; Alex Wolfgram, DIGITIMES [Friday 22 May 2015]


AU Optronics (AUO) has disputed rumors that it will merge with fellow Taiwan maker Innolux. AUO said such rumors are not true and that company operations will continue as normal.

Rumors began spreading after a writeup in Business Weekly stated former company chairman KY Lee's withdrawal from his position indicates another step towards AUO merging with Innolux, which Lee quickly refuted by stating the article is false.

Lee added that AUO's performance is steady due to a healthy panel industry and that the possibility of a future merger is very low.

[R-BgO]

aufgestockt

[R-BgO]

http://seekingalpha.com/article/3591256-dividend-yield-5-per…

[R-BgO]

AUO outlines outlook for 4Q15 heading into 2016

Rebecca Kuo, Tainan; Alex Wolfgram, DIGITIMES [Wednesday 28 October 2015]


Moving ahead into 2016, AU Optronics (AUO) intends to focus primarily on technology integration in order to reduce customer costs and logistics along with value-added products, according to the company.

AUO said in terms of notebooks it is pushing oTP products while in the TV segment it is pursuing FIM products that combine Ultra HD resolution, curved features and technologies such as quantum dots. The company is also concerning itself more with software solutions to provide more complete solutons.

AUO expects to see weak demand in the fourth quarter due to a decline in pricing for small- to medium-size panels but believes that such products will help it maintian profits going into 2016.

Company president Tony Tsai said AUO will see a 3-5% on-year decline in total panel surface shipped in 2015 but that it will see 4-6% growth in 2016 due to an increase in the average-size TV shipped. For TVs specifically, the company will see 5% on-year growth in 2015 for LCD TV panel surface shipped despite an expected 3% global decline in TV shipments.

Tsai said he expects AUO to see a 5% decline in notebook panels shipped during 2015 while shipments for smartphone panels will increase 15% largely due to demand for Full HD products.

[R-BgO]

China to dominate flat panel display manufacturing by 2018, says IHS
Press release, November 6; Alex Wolfgram, DIGITIMES [Friday 6 November 2015]

While conventional thin film TFT LCD displays are rapidly trending towards commoditization and currently suffering from declining prices and margins, China is quickly adding capacity in all flat panel display (FPD) manufacturing segments. Supported by financial incentives from local governments, China TFT capacity is projected to grow 40% per year between 2010-2018. In 2010 China accounted for just 4% of total TFT capacity. However by 2018, China is forecast to become the largest FPD-producing region in the world, accounting for 35% of the global market, according to IHS.

While China capacity expands, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have restricted investments to focus mainly on advanced technologies. TFT capacity for FPD production in these countries is forecast to grow on average at less than 2% per year between 2010-2018.

BOE stands out as the leading producer of FPDs in China. With a capacity growth rate of 44% per year between 2010-2018, BOE will become the main driver for China share gains. By 2018, the company will have ramped up more FPD capacity than any other producers, except for LG Display and Samsung Display.

"Despite growing concerns of oversupply for the next several years in most parts of the display industry, there is still little evidence that China makers are reconsidering or scaling back their ambitious expansion plans," said Charles Annis, senior director at IHS. "On the contrary, there continues to be a steady stream of announcements of new factory plans by various regional governments and panel makers."

In China the central government has generally encouraged investment in FPDs, in order to shift the economy to higher technology manufacturing, to increase domestic supply and to support gross domestic product (GDP) growth. Provincial governments have become the main enabler of capacity expansion through product and technology subsidies, joint ventures and other direct investments, by providing land and facilities and through tax incentives. In return, new FPD fabs increase tax revenue, support land value appreciation, increase employment and spur the local economy. The economic benefits generated from the feedback loop between local governments, panel makers and new FPD factories are still considered sufficiently positive in China to warrant application of significant public resources.

"China currently produces only about a third of the FPD panels it consumes. However, by rapidly expanding capacity, panel makers and government officials are expecting to double domestic production rates in the next few years and are also looking to export markets," Annis said. "How excessive global supply, falling prices and lower profitability will affect these plans over time is not yet exactly clear. Even so, there is now so much new capacity in the pipeline that China will almost certainly become the top producer of FPDs by 2018."

[R-BgO]

Antwort auf Beitrag Nr.: 51.023.238 von R-BgO am 06.11.15 14:00:55

noch geht's:

LG Display retains top spot in large-panel sector for 6th year
2015/11/17 08:34

SEOUL, Nov. 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's LG Display Co. maintained its top position in the large-sized panel market for the sixth consecutive year, data showed Tuesday, coming in far above other South Korean and Taiwanese rivals.

LG shipped 39.4 million units of display panels 9 inches or higher in the July-September period with a share of 22.5 percent, the data compiled by industry tracker IHS showed. It marked the 24th consecutive quarter for LG to sit on the throne in the segment.

Its local rival, Samsung Display Co., followed with a 17.6 percent share, trailed by Taiwan-based Innolux Corp. and AU Optronics with 17.3 percent and 15.1 percent, respectively.

"While South Korean firms are still leading the display market, the rise of Chinese and Taiwanese players will intensify down the road," an industry source said.

"Thus, local companies must make active investments for the future, such as in the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) segment, to further expand their technology prowess over rivals," it added.

By sectors, Samsung Display outpaced LG Display in the TV market at 20.5 percent. As for the Ultra HD TV panel sector, their shares stood at 31.9 percent and 31.4 percent, respectively.

LG Display, however, defeated Samsung Display in the laptop panel market 27.2 percent to 17.2 percent.

[R-BgO]

AU Optronics Corp. Reports 2015 Full-Year Results and Third Consecutive Year of Profitability

(2016.01.28)

AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO) today held its investor conference and announced its unaudited consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year of 2015(1).

Consolidated revenues in the fourth quarter of 2015 were NT$83.44 billion, down 6.6% from the previous quarter. Gross profit was NT$4.49 billion, with gross margin of 5.4%. Operating loss was NT$1.17 billion, with the operating margin of -1.4%. AUO’s net loss for the fourth quarter of 2015 was NT$8.24 billion. Net loss attributable to owners of the Company was NT$8.18 billion, with a basic EPS(2) of -NT$0.85.

For the fiscal year of 2015, unaudited consolidated revenues totaled NT$360.35 billion, a decrease of 11.7% year-over-year. Net profit was NT$4.84 billion, with a basic EPS(2) of NT$0.51.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, large-sized panel(3) shipments reached around 27.61 million units, increased by 4.8% quarter-over-quarter. Shipments of small-and-medium-sized panels in the same quarter exceeded 33.41 million units, down by 31.4% quarter-over-quarter. For the full year of 2015, large-sized panel shipments exceeded 105.65 million units, a decrease of 9.6% from the previous year. Small and medium-sized panel shipments totaled around 172.81 million units, up by 1.2% year-over-year.

AUO's unaudited consolidated results for the fourth quarter of 2015 were highlighted as below:

Revenues of NT$83.44 billion
Net loss of NT$8.24 billion
Basic EPS(2) of -NT$0.85
Gross margin was 5.4%
Operating margin was -1.4%
EBITDA(4) margin was 11.2%
Operating margin of Display Segment was -1.0%
EBITDA(4) margin of Display Segment was 11.8%
AUO's unaudited consolidated results for the fiscal year of 2015 were highlighted as below:

Revenues of NT$360.35 billion
Net profit of NT$4.84 billion
Basic EPS(2) of NT$0.51
Gross margin was 11.1%
Operating margin was 4.9%
EBITDA(4) margin was 18.1%
Operating margin of Display Segment was 5.8%
EBITDA(4) margin of Display Segment was 19.2%


Looking back to the fourth quarter, the Company's loss came mainly from non-operating items. Among which, M.Setek, a subsidiary of AUO, conducted a one-time impairment of all of its plants and equipments associated with polysilicon production and recognized associated asset impairment charge of around NT$6.75 billion. For the core operations, as the fourth quarter was the traditional slow season, AUO’s revenue decreased by 6.6% from the previous quarter, and operating loss came in at NT$1.17 billion. Nevertheless, in terms of the full year of 2015, AUO tackled the challenges posed by macroeconomic uncertainties and was able to perform quite well by progressing firmly and steadily. AUO's operating and EBITDA(4) margins for the year of 2015 remained at 4.9% and 18.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the Company's interest-bearing debt level has been significantly decreased by NT$33.45 billion in 2015. As of the end of the fourth quarter, the Company's net debt to equity ratio was lowered to 14.8%, again the lowest since 2009.

Over the past few years, AUO has proactively adjusted its business structure to substantially lower its financial burdens and to significantly improve its soundness of the operations. Looking forward to the future, by leveraging its solid foundations, the Company hopes to be more well prepared in the face of the fierce industry competition. Meanwhile, led by its professional management team, the Company looks forward to extending its strengths and developing new growth momentum to elevate its operating performance.

(1) All financial information was unaudited and was prepared by the Company in accordance with Taiwan IFRS.
(2) Basic EPS in the fourth quarter and the fiscal year of 2015 were calculated based on the weighted average outstanding shares of the fiscal year of 2015 (9,624 million shares).
(3) Large size refers to panels that are 10 inches and above in diagonal measurement.
(4) EBITDA = Operating Profit + D&A, that is, operating profit before depreciation and amortization.

[bluechip56]

Zunächst ist der Kurs in einem Jahr um ca. 50% auf 2,50€ gesunken.

In diesem Jahr muß sich zeigen ob die Umsatzprognose auch auf den Kurs Wirkung zeigt. Zumindest haben die Anleger beim Kaufkurs 4€ bis 5,20€ noch sehr viel Aufholpotenzial.

[R-BgO]

lt. Sigmaintell in 2015:

=> Rangliste (in Mio.)
80 Samsung Display
76 BOE
41 Japan Display
38 Tianma Microelectronics
34 LG Display
27 AUO
23 Sharp
21 Innolux
340 von 440 insgesamt = 77%

[R-BgO]

http://seekingalpha.com/article/3985631-au-optronics-improvi…

[R-BgO]

Antwort auf Beitrag Nr.: 50.932.518 von R-BgO am 26.10.15 10:26:42

2c "fremde Spesen" pro Stück sind bei 11c Dividende

doch ein bisschen ärgerlich...

[R-BgO]

SunPower Acquires AUO's Stake in Malaysian Joint Venture

Solar cell factory to support continued global demand growth

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Evolving its partnership that began in 2010, SunPower Corp. announced today that it is purchasing AUO's portion of the two companies' joint venture which manufactures solar cells at an 800 megawatt (MW) fabrication facility in Melaka, Malaysia.

"The solar industry expects continued growth for the foreseeable future, as solar power becomes increasingly cost effective in many countries," said Tom Werner, SunPower President and CEO. "Acquiring AUO's stake in the Malaysian joint venture gives us sole control over our highest performing solar cell fab and will allow for technology upgrades and further expansion of our high efficiency solar cell technology as market conditions warrant."

Under the stock purchase agreement, SunPower will pay AUO $170 million over the next four years. SunPower has also signed a supply agreement with AUO for 100 MW of SunPower's E-series solar panels. AUO also will remain a wafer supplier to SunPower. This transaction resolves a dispute between the two companies.

"Consistent with our previous comments, SunPower is working to increase our future manufacturing capacity for our highest-value products while driving down costs," Werner said. "We will thoughtfully manage capacity during the current industry volatility, but we are committed to being a leading upstream industry participant over the long term, leveraging our unique, high value solar panel technologies. Purchasing AUO's portion of the Melaka joint venture is an opportunity for us to enable technology upgrades, cost reductions and future expansion consistent with this strategy."

SunPower plans to eventually upgrade the Melaka facility, which has been recognized by the International Energy Agency for its superior energy-efficient design and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) acknowledgement. The facility includes infrastructure built to allow for significant future capacity growth.

Contingent on various conditions, the transaction is expected to close by the end of the month.

[R-BgO]

AUO 3Q16 operations turn profitable
Rebecca Kuo, Tainan; Adam Hwang, DIGITIMES [Friday 28 October 2016]

AU Optronics (AUO) saw its operations swing from net operating loss of NT$4.981 billion (US$158 million) for the first half of 2016 to net operating profit of NT$5.759 billion for the third quarter, the company announced at an October 27 investors conference.

AUO posted consolidated revenues of NT$86.017 billion, gross margin 13.15%, net operating profit 5.759 billion, net profit NT$4.616 billion and net EPS NT$0.51 for the third quarter. For January-September, AUO recorded consolidated revenues of NT$237.243 billion, gross margin 7.28%, net operating profit NT$778 million, net loss NT$1.768 billion and net loss per share of NT$0.12.

AUO shipped 29.27 million large-size (10-inch and above) panels, increasing 2.8% on quarter and 11.4% on year, in the third quarter. Small- to medium-size shipments were 37.97 million decreasing 10.6% on quarter and 22.0% on year. Third-quarter total area shipped was 6.617 million square meters and ASP was US$372 per square meter.

Of third-quarter panel revenues of NT$80.614 billion, 16% came from below 10-inch panels, 26% from 10- to <20-inch units, 15% from 20- to <39-inch units, 15% from 39- to <50-inch units and 28% from 50-inch and above. In Terms of applications, TV accounted for 46% of revenues, monitor 15%, notebook and tablet 17%, smartphone and other mobile devices 5%, and commercial displays and others 17%.

Global LCD TV sales peaked at more than 300 million units in 2009-2010 and now is the time for replacement, AUO Video Solutions Business Group general manager Liao Wei-lung said. Since prices for 32- to 42-inch LCD TVs, the mainstream size in 2009-2010, stood at US$400-900 which can buy 43- to 55-inch models today, the global average size of LCD TVs sold in 2016 is expected to increase by two inches on year and the corresponding total panel area will grow 5%, Liao noted.

AUO expects panel shipment volume in the fourth quarter to slip 5% on quarter due to an increase in average panel size and the corresponding ASP to rise 5-10% because South Korea-based makers will shutdown TFT-LCD production lines in the fourth quarter, resulting in continual hikes in panel price. AUO has fully utilized its production capacity, and full utilization will remain throughout the fourth quarter.

Global demand for panels by total area in 2016 will increase 5-7%, larger than the growth in global supply in panel area. In 2017, demand will increase 3-5%, with global supply to remain tight, AUO president and COO Michael Tsai indicated.

[R-BgO]

Antwort auf Beitrag Nr.: 50.932.518 von R-BgO am 26.10.15 10:26:42

am 26.10.2015 für 2,77

Zitat von R-BgO: aufgestockt

und jetzt für 3,68 wieder bis auf ein Erinnerungsstück abgegeben;

abstruse Spreads, aber zumindest ein Taschengeld verdient

[R-BgO]

AUO to stick to smart investment strategy, says chairman
Rebecca Kuo, Taipei; Steve Shen, DIGITIMES [Thursday 21 September 2017]

AU Optronics (AUO) will continue its "smart investment" policy focusing on improvement of operating efficiency and ramping up the ratio of value-added products to shore up its revenues and profits, according to company chairman Paul Peng.

AUO will not compete with rival companies, particularly those with government backing, in production scale but rather than in value-added production, Peng said, adding that the ratio of panels for commercial, automotive, aviation, industrial and high-end applications has exceeded 50% of AUO's total production and is still growing.

While some 10.5G fabs are expected to come online in 2018, Peng reiterated AUO's decision of not committing investment on 10.5G lines as it will take at least over 10 years to yield investment gains based on prevailing panel prices, Peng said.

Issues such as production control and supply chain management have become more important for AUO as it is moving to focus on customized production which relies more on competitive technology and production efficiency, Pend added.

Regarding to business prospects for the second half of 2017, Peng indicated that panel demand from brand vendors has been strong for the third and fourth quarters as inventory levels in the channel have reduced sharply since July. Meanwhile, demand for all-screen 18:9 panels from the smartphone sector has increased substantially.

Due to robust demand from the TV and smartphone sectors, the utilization rates of AUO's both large- and medium- to small-size panel production lines are currently running at high levels, said Peng.

[R-BgO]

AUO reports strong profit growth for 2017
Rodney Chan, DIGITIMES, Taipei Wednesday 7 February 2018

AU Optronics (AUO) has reported strong profit growth for 2017. Net profit attributable to owners of the company arrived at NT$32.36 billion (US$1.11 billion), with a basic EPS of NT$3.36 in 2017, compared to net profit of NT$6.61 billion in 2016, according to the LCD panel maker.

For the full year 2017, consolidated revenues totaled NT$341.03 billion, an increase of 3.6% on year, AUO said.

AUO's fourth-quarter 2017 consolidated revenues came to NT$80.66 billion (US$2.76 billion), down by 7.7% sequentially, with net profit attributable to owners of the company reaching NT$4.20 billion, or a basic EPS of NT$0.44.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, large-sized (10-inch and above) panel shipments reached around 28.65 million units, down by 1.5% on quarter. Shipments of small- to medium-sized panels in the quarter exceeded 46.96 million units, up by 0.3% on quarter.

For 2017, large-sized panel shipments exceeded 111.80 million units, an increase of 1.2% from the previous year. Small- to medium-sized panel shipments totaled 168.85 million units, up by 9.7% year-over-year.

The panel maker said fourth-quarter 2017 gross margin was 13.9%, with operating margin at 7.1%. Operating margin of the Display segment was 9%, it said.

For 2017, gross margin and operating margin were 17.9% and 11.5% respectively. Operating margin of the Display segment for the year was 12.4%.

Looking back on the fourth quarter, AUO said although its revenues were down by 7.7% sequentially due to continued panel prices decline, its profitability remained at a good level.

"Operating profit for 2017 more than tripled over the previous year to NT$39.14 billion. Net profit attributable to owners of the company reached NT$32.36 billion, more than quadrupled year over year. Both the profitability indexes marked the highest in a decade," said AUO in a press statement.

AUO said that in 2017 it continued to implement the value-added and product differentiation strategies.

Looking ahead, the company said it "will continue to make optimal investment in high-quality capacity, to accelerate value-transformation, and to reinforce the ability of technology innovation. These strategies will help the company maintain stable profitability in the long-term, and become the lead player in the industry."

[Charly_2]

Aktie total unterbewertet, Buchwert über $6 und Aktie dümpelt unter $4 herum...

https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/AUO/key-statistics?p=AUO

[Charly_2]

AU Optronics: 3Q Earnings Snapshot
Associated Press

Associated PressOctober 31, 2018, 10:02 AM GMT+1
HSINCHU, Taiwan (AP) _ AU Optronics Corp. (AUO) on Wednesday reported third-quarter profit of $140.9 million.

The Hsinchu, Taiwan-based company said it had net income of 15 cents per share.

The LCD screen manufacturer posted revenue of $2.64 billion in the period.

The company's shares closed at $3.90. A year ago, they were trading at $4.13.
_____

This story was generated by Automated ...

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/au-optronics-3q-earnings-snap…

[R-BgO]

[R-BgO]

Antwort auf Beitrag Nr.: 59.591.507 von R-BgO am 09.01.19 11:44:14

AUO reports net profit of NT$10.16 billion for 2018
Rodney Chan, DIGITIMES, Taipei Tuesday 29 January 2019

AU Optronics (AUO) has revealed its consolidated revenues for 2018 came to NT$307.63 billion (US$9.98 billion), a decrease of 9.8% on year. Net profit reached NT$10.16 billion, with a basic EPS of NT$1.06.

For fourth-quarter 2018, consoldiated revenues arrived at NT$77.09 billion, down by 4.9% sequentially, said the panel maker. AUO's net profit for the fourth quarter was NT$0.28 billion, with a basic EPS of NT$0.03.

For the full year of 2018, large-sized (10-inch and above) panel shipments exceeded 114.79 million units, an increase of 2.7% from the previous year. Small- to medium-sized panel shipments totaled 166.6 million units, down by 1.3% year-over-year, according to AUO.

Its fourth-quarter 2018 large-sized panel shipments exceeded 28.45 million units, down by 4.5% quarter-over-quarter. Shipments of small- to medium-sized panels in the same quarter reached around 32.15 million units, down by 24.5% sequentially.

AUO disclosed operating profit of NT$6.67 billion for 2018, with gross margin of 9.1%, and operating margin of 2.2%. Operating margin for the Display Segment was 2.7% in 2018, the panel maker said.

For the fourth quarter of 2018, the company recorded operating loss of NT$1.45 billion with gross margin of 5.3% and operating margin of negative 1.9%. Operating margin for Display Segment was negative 1.7% for the quarter.

As new capacity added to the market in the fourth quarter, AUO said industry supply and demand balance became looser. As a result, panel prices were on the decline, and net profit amounted to only NT$0.28 billion in the fourth quarter.

But AUO said that with consistent focus on the value transformation strategy it was still able to maintain a good level of profitability in 2018. It said its financial structure was also maintained at a stable and healthy status.

AUO said as new capacity continues to ramp up, oversupply may become a display industry normal in the next few years.

Furthermore, there could be uncertainties coming from both global economy and international trade situations. Facing the challenging business environment, AUO said it will insist on its core strategy, focusing on sustaining financial health, value enhancement and continuous innovation.