s-lcd

Samsung considering options for LCD business; spinoff possible

Samsung might be a leading TV maker, but its LCD business is quickly becoming a thorn in its side.

Speaking to Reuters today, Samsung said that it's considering all options with its LCD flat-panel business, but declined to confirm that it has made any decisions. One rumor suggests Samsung is thinking about spinning off its LCD business, but the company would not comment on that.

"Samsung is looking into various options to improve the competitiveness of LCD business, but no decision has been made yet," a Samsung spokeswoman told CNET in an e-mailed statement.

Samsung's LCD … Read more

Samsung snaps up Sony's share of joint S-LCD business for $940m

Samsung's screen technology business is about to get even bigger.

Samsung is now buying up Sony's share of the two companies' joint venture, S-LCD, for $940 million, or approximately 1.08 trillion South Korean won. The acquisition will shift Sony's 50 percent of the company--minus one share--into Samsung's possession, making it the S-LCD Corporation a wholly-owned Samsung subsidiary.

The shift is intended to ease some of Sony's continuing struggle with its TV business, which has posted a loss over eight straight years.

In addition to Samsung assuming control of the company, which manufactures LCD panels … Read more

Samsung eyeing weak first-quarter results

Samsung's first quarter is likely to show an increase in sales but a drop in operating profits due in part to weaker demand for its LCDs.

Although actual results will be announced at month's end, Samsung today offered a peek at its first quarter. The Korean electronics company estimated that operating earnings for the quarter ended March 31 would fall to between 2.7 trillion won ($2.5 billion) and 3.1 trillion won, down from 4.4 trillion won in in the year-ago quarter.

Sales are expected to rise to between 36 trillion and 38 trillion Korean … Read more