DIGITIMES observed that Samsung Display (SDC) and LG Display (LGD) have actively adjusted their panel business structures, with both companies shifting their focus to OLED technology.
In 2024, SDC's operating profit margin for medium-to-large-sized panels and LGD's overall operating profit margin both improved; however, only SDC showed a year-over-year increase in capex.
Looking ahead, besides medium-to-large-sized panels being the shared key application focus for both companies, Apple's adoption of OLED in new products is expected to become a new growth driver for them.
SDC focuses on small-size panels; profit up for medium-to-large ones
Chart 1: SDC OLED revenue and operating profit margin share by size, 2023-2025
LGD busy adjusting business structure with OLED taking over half
Chart 2: LGD panel revenue share by OLED and LCD, and business structure, 2021-2024
SDC more than doubled 2024 capex; Yasan plant still has idle space
Chart 3: SDC capex and production line status of Yasan plant, 2020-2024 (KRWt)
LGD conservative about 2025 capex; focusing on improving profit
Chart 4: LGD capex and operating profit margin, 2020-2025 (KRWt)
LGD continues slimming LCD capacity and strengthening OLED one
Chart 5: LGD schedule to close LCD production lines, 2022-2025
LGD plans to allocate OLED lines for iPads, prioritizing smartphone demand for now
Chart 6: Panel suppliers of iPhone 16 and 17 series and LGD E6 plant production plan
Chart 7: SDC, LGD Vientma OLED module plant status and future plan
LGD to focus on automotive and gaming with new products in 2025
Chart 8: LGD's LCD and OLED product plans by size sector, 2025
Keeping small-size advantages, SDC pushing into larger-size OLED
Apple OLED adoption for new products to drive growth momentum
Chart 10: Apple products' OLED adoption timeline and Korean maker movements
