Compal Cuts Target for Notebook Computer Shipments on Recession

By Tim Culpan

Jan. 10 (Bloomberg) -- Compal Electronics Inc., the world’s second-largest maker of notebook computers, cut its shipment forecast for this year as the global economic recession continues to dampen demand.

Compal, which supplies Hewlett-Packard Co. and Acer Inc., expects to ship between 32 million and 35 million laptops this year, down from its earlier estimate of at least 35 million, Gary Lu, chief financial officer of the Taipei-based maker, said today.

By Tim Culpan

Jan. 10 (Bloomberg) -- Compal Electronics Inc., the world’s second-largest maker of notebook computers, cut its shipment forecast for this year as the global economic recession continues to dampen demand.

Compal, which supplies Hewlett-Packard Co. and Acer Inc., expects to ship between 32 million and 35 million laptops this year, down from its earlier estimate of at least 35 million, Gary Lu, chief financial officer of the Taipei-based maker, said today.

Notebook shipments totaled 25.6 million in 2008, Compal reported today, 20 percent fewer than the target it set at the start of the year.

Compal expects to supply 3.4 million to 3.8 million televisions this year, Lu said. It shipped 1.9 million flat- screen televisions last year, mostly 32-inch and 37-inch models on contract for Toshiba Corp. and Hitachi Ltd., as well as 1.9 million computer monitors, Chang Chih-ming, a spokesman for the company, said today.

To contact the reporter on this story: Tim Culpan in Taipei at tculpan1@bloomberg.net.

Notebook shipments totaled 25.6 million in 2008, Compal reported today, 20 percent fewer than the target it set at the start of the year.

Compal expects to supply 3.4 million to 3.8 million televisions this year, Lu said. It shipped 1.9 million flat- screen televisions last year, mostly 32-inch and 37-inch models on contract for Toshiba Corp. and Hitachi Ltd., as well as 1.9 million computer monitors, Chang Chih-ming, a spokesman for the company, said today.

To contact the reporter on this story: Tim Culpan in Taipei at tculpan1@bloomberg.net.