$1B Apple-Sharp deal more likely LCD prepayment than plant investment
Contrary to recent reports that Apple would invest $1 billion in an LCD manufacturing plant from Sharp, industry insiders believe it's more likely that Apple is simply making an advance payment to secure display components.
Citing sources in the Taiwan supply chain, DigiTimes reported on Thursday that Apple more likely made a deal with Sharp for panel purchases, rather than actually investing in the Japanese company. Insiders said given the business relationship Apple has had with another display maker, LG, it's unlikely Apple would invest $1 billion in a facility.
Regardless, "tighter collaboration" between Apple and Sharp means Apple will become less reliant on its rival and chief supplier, Samsung. Despite the fact that Apple buys a great deal of components from Samsung, the two companies are engaged in a bitter legal battle with multiple lawsuits spanning across the globe.
Another company that may feel the squeeze from an Apple-Sharp deal is CMI. The company recently began supplying IPS panels for the iPad 2, but closer ties between Apple and Sharp could hurt orders for the company.
Earlier this week, rumors were reiterated that Apple plans to invest $1 billion in a Sharp factory that would build screens for its iPhone and iPad products. Such a move was said to ensure stable supply of LCD displays.
Apple's moves with display suppliers are believed to be tied to recent issues with components from LG. A report earlier this month claimed that LG Display lost its status as the leading iPad 2 display maker after LCD shipments were allegedly plagued by quality issues.
Following the problems, Apple shifted more of its orders to Samsung and new partner CMI. CMI reportedly hopes to become a regular supplier for Apple, and is ramping up production of 9.7-inch iPad displays. It now has a monthly output of about a million units.
"But CMI still needs to stabilize the quality of its IPS panels and enlarge production capacity in order to stand a chance of winning more orders from Apple," Thursday's report said.
Citing sources in the Taiwan supply chain, DigiTimes reported on Thursday that Apple more likely made a deal with Sharp for panel purchases, rather than actually investing in the Japanese company. Insiders said given the business relationship Apple has had with another display maker, LG, it's unlikely Apple would invest $1 billion in a facility.
Regardless, "tighter collaboration" between Apple and Sharp means Apple will become less reliant on its rival and chief supplier, Samsung. Despite the fact that Apple buys a great deal of components from Samsung, the two companies are engaged in a bitter legal battle with multiple lawsuits spanning across the globe.
Another company that may feel the squeeze from an Apple-Sharp deal is CMI. The company recently began supplying IPS panels for the iPad 2, but closer ties between Apple and Sharp could hurt orders for the company.
Earlier this week, rumors were reiterated that Apple plans to invest $1 billion in a Sharp factory that would build screens for its iPhone and iPad products. Such a move was said to ensure stable supply of LCD displays.
Apple's moves with display suppliers are believed to be tied to recent issues with components from LG. A report earlier this month claimed that LG Display lost its status as the leading iPad 2 display maker after LCD shipments were allegedly plagued by quality issues.
Following the problems, Apple shifted more of its orders to Samsung and new partner CMI. CMI reportedly hopes to become a regular supplier for Apple, and is ramping up production of 9.7-inch iPad displays. It now has a monthly output of about a million units.
"But CMI still needs to stabilize the quality of its IPS panels and enlarge production capacity in order to stand a chance of winning more orders from Apple," Thursday's report said.
Comments
Having $60 billion in the bank truly rocks for apple.
Plus, once you consider a new Flat Panel Manufacturing plant would be 4+ Billion to build these days, its a real deal to lock up production like this.
Tim Cook strikes again.
And consider, if they hold another 30+ billion domestically, they could build a spaceship to engineer the future in.
And BTW, A Flat Panel Manufacturing Plant does not take ANY WHERE near 4+ Billion to build.
NYTs reported this week that Apple has 40 Billion held offshore due to tax laws in the US. This is money that they generated overseas, cannot logically return,and is now used to re-power the Asian economies.
Plus, once you consider a new Flat Panel Manufacturing plant would be 4+ Billion to build these days, its a real deal to lock up production like this.
Tim Cook strikes again.
And consider, if they hold another 30+ billion domestically, they could build a spaceship to engineer the future in.
With billion held in China and Apple's growth rate I'd think investing $4 billion in a plant or two would be advantageous. We're already seeing unfavorable results of their component sourcing where one manufacturer is quantifiably better than than another.
Fundamentally this is no difference, They pay 1B in advance, Sharp use this 1 Billion to build Plant, the deal would also include special treatment and stocks guarantee for apple.
And BTW, A Flat Panel Manufacturing Plant does not take ANY WHERE near 4+ Billion to build.
Might be wrong, but Intel FAB 42 is a 300mm facility projected at 5 B, and if Apple wanted to build a flat panel shop for consumer grade large displays from scratch, I would think 4 B would not be too far out of line.
With billion held in China and Apple's growth rate I'd think investing $4 billion in a plant or two would be advantageous. We're already seeing unfavorable results of their component sourcing where one manufacturer is quantifiably better than than another.
It's billions held in Bermuda, and such tax havens. Nothing to do with China.
Hope springs eternal -- that all the naysayers are wrong. I personally could use a little more time before the high-res version comes out, so I don't really care that much.
Might be wrong, but Intel FAB 42 is a 300mm facility projected at 5 B, and if Apple wanted to build a flat panel shop for consumer grade large displays from scratch, I would think 4 B would not be too far out of line.
A wafer fab like Intel's isn't a flat panel manufacturing plant. At all. Totally different technologies. Like a car isn't a kitchen. They are completely different animals. So they require totally incomparable investments.
A Display Plant Fabs is no way near as expensive to build as a Processor Fab.