The LED industry performance has been much better than last year, demands have been pretty good for backlight, lighting and other components, said Everlight Chairman Robert Yeh. In addition, Everlight’s acquisition of German luminaire company WOFI in 2013 will allow Everlight revenue to reach new records in 2014.

The LED industry trend in 2014 will turn around compared to 2013, the company has seen good performance in backlight, lighting, and LED component orders, said Yeh during Everlight Cultural Foundation’s “Peaceful Taiwan” event on March 26, 2014. Demands are mainly coming from LED TV replacement trends ahead of the Brazil World Cup this year, which has increased LED component demands in the 4K2K UHD TV market. In addition, demands are being spurred on by rising energy-efficiency awareness as well as lowered LED lighting product prices.

Everlight Chairman Robert Yeh (left) holding a CD launched at the Everlight Cultural Foundation event. (LEDinside)

Everlight’s consolidated revenue grew 29.67 percent annually to reach NT$ 24.72 billion (US$ 810 million) in 2013. Net profit increased 1.69 times to NT$ 1.47 billion, and the company’s EPS which reached NT$ 3.51 also outperformed other companies in the industry. Everlight’s revenue this year will reach new heights, as the company continues to strive for better performance in gross profit rate and profitability, commented Yeh. Everlight and partner company Epistar’s combined gross output in 2013 reached about NT$ 48 billion, just second to Japanese company Nichia which has the largest output value in the industry. Yeh noted, the LED industry development will be similar to the semiconductor industry where upstream, midstream and downstream manufacturers will each have specified roles, and diligently work to improve their technology to create innovative products. Yeh hoped in the future Everlight and Epistar’s output value can exceed Nichia to become world number one.

In regards to Taiwan’s recent cross-strait service trade agreement with China, Yeh noted LED components fall under tax free category. Therefore, the trade agreement will have limited effects on the LED industry. Yeh pointed out some industries will be affected by the agreement, but for others it could also create higher value. The Taiwanese government will be approaching the issue from an overall market angle of creating more industry value, he added. The government should be more humble and put more effort into public communications, concluded Yeh.