Epistar raked in profits in 1Q14, benefitting from strong LED backlight and lighting order demands. The Taiwanese epitaxy manufacturer performed better than first quarter last year, with growth of 44.33 percent YoY. Consolidated revenue for 1Q14 reached NT $6.24 billion (US $207.7 million), an increase of 2.39 percent QoQ. Single month consolidated revenue in March was NT $2.37 billion, a significant 19.54 percent jump from last month and 38.29 rise YoY, achieving a new monthly and quarterly record high.
Strong demands and smooth shipments attributed to March revenue reached a new record high, said Epistar. Aside from strong market demand, increase in production capacity was another driver for revenue growth.
As the LED industry moves into peak season, production utilization rate for blue light and AlInGap has already surpassed 90 percent and is on the verge of full capacity. Order visibility has reached 6 months.