Recent news from the Chinese-language newspapers.
Tripod projects revenues to break NT$1bn in 2004
Thanks to recent new DDR2-module board shipments and orders from Samsung and Seagate, Tripod expects its consolidated revenues to exceed NT$1bn this year. Despite the upswing of the NT dollar, Tripod claims its margins will exceed 20% this year. [DigiTimes]
Samsung Taiwan predicts RPTV prices will drop 30% in 1Q05
Samsung Electronics Taiwan (SET) vice president Perry Ho predicts that rear-projection TV (RPTV) prices will drop 30% through the first quarter of 2005, as Korean and Japanese makers add capacity. [DigiTimes]
Compal president predicts the panel industry may rebound in 1Q05
Compal Electronics president Ray Chen predicts output among Taiwan panel makers may drop due to the lunar-new-year holidays, which may help ease over-supply. Chen also commented that Samsung is unlikely to raise its panel prices. [DigiTimes]
Increased heat dissipation requirements of Intel CPUs may require improved capacitor support
Mobo makers commented that equipping mobos with Taiwan-made capacitors may lead to potential RMA issues after two years of use, so the makers are thinking about adopting Japan-made or solid capacitors. [DigiTimes]
Coretronic: DLP TVs from Coretronic and FIC to target different markets
Coretronic indicated it will continue to focus on ODM production of DLP TVs, while First International Computer's recently introduced DLP TV is FIC-branded, so their target markets should not conflict. [DigiTimes]
PCB maker Printed Wire admits delaying payment of salaries
In response to market rumors about Printed Wire delaying the payment of employees' salaries, the company has admitted the delay, but affirmed that operations are normal. [DigiTimes]
Prices of optical-mouse CMOS image sensors reaching US$1 level
Sources estimate that prices for CMOS image sensors used in optical mice have dropped by 37% this year, and recent quotes are reaching the US$1 level. Increased competition is the main cause, and Agilent's lead is said to be under threat. [DigiTimes]
UMC, PSC, VIS planning to raise cash dividend payout
Following TSMC's announcement that it will issue no less than 50% of its future dividends in cash, UMC, PSC and VIS now plan to increase cash dividend payouts. VIS has decided it will issue more than 10% of its future dividends in cash. [Economic Daily News, Dec 20]
Taiwan market: Tecom projects Alcatel-branded handset sales to surpass 100,000 units in 2005
Tecom will sign an agreement with TCL & Alcatel Limited (T&A) by year-end for marketing Alcatel-branded handsets in Taiwan in 2005, according to company director Winner Wu. Tecom projects to sell 100,000 Alcatel-branded mobile phones next year. [DigiTimes]
Article edited by Michael McManus
