Core Reminder: The latest panel quotes in late April show that 65, 55, 43, and 32 inch TV panels are priced at $133, $95, $55, and $31, respectively, up $7, $4, $2, and $1. Fan Boyu believes that although TV panel prices are expected to continue to rise in April, there is a significant price difference between first and second tier brand customers. Most second tier brand customers can only accept the increase in panel manufacturers, while first tier brand customers still have a certain degree of bargaining space.
The latest panel pricing in late April showed that the prices for 65, 55, 43, and 32 inch TV panels were $133, $95, $55, and $31, respectively, up $7, $4, $2, and $1. Fan Boyu believes that although TV panel prices are expected to continue to rise in April, there is a significant price difference between first and second tier brand customers. Most second tier brand customers can only accept the increase in panel manufacturers, while first tier brand customers still have a certain degree of bargaining space.
From the perspective of TV panel prices in April, all sizes are expected to maintain an upward trend. It is expected that 32 inches will increase by $1, 43 inches will increase by $3, 50 inches will increase by $6, 55 inches will increase by $7-8, 65 inches will increase by $13, and 75 inches will increase by $10-11. According to this upward trend in prices, there is the earliest opportunity for TV panel prices to return above the cash cost level in May.
After the Monitor panel prices stabilized in March, there are currently signs of a strengthening demand for some consumer models, including high-end esports models and some entry-level affordable models. On the one hand, this comes from the demand for restocking inventory from downstream customers, and on the other hand, it is also a preparation for the upcoming 618 promotion for domestic demand in China. Therefore, it is currently expected that the full size price of the Monitor panel in April will remain unchanged.
After the demand for NB panels entered the second quarter, there has been a significant rebound in demand for Chromebook in the near future. However, the momentum of other mainstream models is still constrained by brand customers continuing to deplete their inventory, so there has been no significant increase in temperature. Therefore, it is currently expected that NB panel prices in April will continue to maintain a flat level. The situation of brand customer inventory depletion and when the demand for panels begins to significantly increase will be the key to whether panel prices can rise.