MLCC market boom likely to continue according to Business Korea article on Samsung Electro-Mechanics MLCC business growth predictions.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics posted operating profit of KRW302.5bn (+60% YoY) on sales of KRW2.3tr (+3% YoY) for 3Q20. The MLCC business saw a steep increase in demand (shipments up 16% QoQ) amid the recovery in market conditions for IT products and electronic parts. We estimate the MLCC capacity utilization rate to have gone up to 100% from the low 80% range in 2Q. Inventory levels further declined. The module solution division delivered solid earnings thanks to smartphone shipment growth and a new flagship model release by the strategic client.
Emerging as a leading supplier of 5G communication parts
Earnings from MLCCs and package substrates will remain strong due to new model launches at overseas clients.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics is projected to see full-year operating profit of KRW1.1tr (+34% YoY) in 2021. The MLCC market boom will likely continue on the recovery of demand and limited capacity expansion after COVID-19.
The company’s future growth should be driven by 5G communication components. Shipments of 5G smartphones are estimated to increase from 20mn units in 2019 to 270mn in 2020 and 670mn in 2021. Shipments of mmWave smartphones are expected to grow from 2H21. The company is currently developing AiP (antenna in package), SiP (system in package), new printed circuit boards, and MLCC for 5G smartphones.
In 2021, under the strategy of select and focus, the priority should be placed on either high-margin (MLCC, package substrates) or high-growth businesses (5G smartphone parts). MLCC capacity additions appear to be slower than anticipated. The company’s strengthening presence in the 5G mobile market.
