Hsinchu, Taiwan,


AUO Corporation ("AUO"or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO) today announced unaudited results for 4Q2007 and the Fiscal 2007. For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2007, AUO’s consolidated revenue reached NT$155.5 billion (*US$4.8 billion), net income NT$33.1 billion (US$1,020 million), attributable to equity holders of the parent company NT$33 billion (US$1,018 million), and basic EPS NT$4.22 per common share (US$1.30 per ADR unit).

 

Fourth Quarter Results
AUO reported the following unaudited consolidated results for the fourth quarter:

 

  • Revenue increased 12.7% QoQ to NT$155.5 billion
  • Net income of NT$33.1 billion up 46.6% QoQ
  • Consolidated net income attributed to stockholders of the Company of NT$33 billion
  • Basic EPS of NT$4.22 per common share
  • Gross margin of 27%
  • Operating margin of 22.4%

 

Full Year Results
AUO reported the following consolidated results for the full year:

 

  • Revenue of NT$480.2 billion, up 63.8% YoY
  • Net income of NT$56.5 billion, up 521% YoY
  • basic EPS of NT$7.22 per common share (US$2.23 per ADR unit), up 413% from NT$1.41 per share the previous year
  • Consolidated net income attributed to stockholders of the Company of NT$56.4 billion


Thanks to the merger synergy, AUO’s large-sized panel shipments in 2007 grew 65.9% YoY significantly to 80.9 million units, and the company therefore was ranked No.1 in terms of worldwide large-area TFT-LCD shipment units**. In addition, the shipment of small- to medium- sized panel for consumer product applications posted a remarkable 80.7% YoY increase to 143.1 million units.

 

"The significant result in fiscal 2007 was our best performance since its establishment, particularly the fourth quarter revenue and profits. The 4Q2007 unaudited consolidated net income amounted to NT$33.1 billion with a 47% sequential increase and broke the previous record,” said Mr. Max Cheng, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AUO. “Thanks to the strong demand from end-user markets resulting in steady blended panel ASP, and our implement of more competitive product mix, the 4Q2007 gross margin boosted to 27% from 23% sequentially, while the operating margin lifted to 22.4% from the earlier quarter of 18.7%.“

 

“We also made significant progress in our effective operation as well as in our financial goals of largely reducing debt ratio and improving financial structure, “Cheng added. “We experienced the post-QDI merger synergy effect since 3Q2007. In addition, 4Q2007 inventory turnover was reduced to 31 days from 38 days sequentially. The full-year 2007 net income totaled NT$56.5 billion while the basic EPS was NT$7.22 per common share, significantly increased 521% and 413% from the previous year respectively.”

 

 

*Amounts converted by an exchange rate of NTD32.43:USD1 as of December 31, 2007.

**DisplaySearch 4Q2007 WW Large-Area TFT-LCD Shipment Report dated Jan 23, 2008. This data is used as reference only and AUO does not make any endorsement or representation in connection therewith.

 

 

Yawen Hsiao
Corporate Communications Dept.
AUO Corporation

 

No.1, Li-Hsin RD 2, Science-Based Industrial Park,
Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tel：+886-3-500-8899 ext：3211
Fax：+886-3-5772730
Email：yawenhsiao@jmxhhc.com