LG announces first quarter 2011 financial results

Showing significant progress on its profit recovery, LG Electronics (LG) today announced unaudited financial results for the three-month period ending March 31, 2011. Stronger operating profits reflected successful cost-reduction efforts and steady performance in all four business units. The company expects to see further growth with strong line-up of strategic products such as the CINEMA 3D TVs adopting Film Patterned Retarder (FPR) technology and smart phones under the LG Optimus brand.

LG posted consolidated first quarter 2011 revenues of KRW 13.2 trillion (USD 11.7 billion) a 0.4 percent decline in won from the same period last year (up 2 percent USD). After two consecutive quarters of losses, operating profit turned the corner with KRW 131 billion (USD 116 million). LG recorded a KRW 16 billion (USD 14 million) net loss this quarter mainly due to a KRW 56 billion loss (USD 50 million) on investments in affiliated companies.

LG Home Entertainment Company posted a revenue decrease of 4.8 percent to KRW 5.3 trillion (USD 4.7 billion) compared with the first quarter of 2010, reflecting slower demand and average selling price decline. However, LG shipped more flat panel TVs in the first quarter, 6.8 million units, a 13 percent increase from the same period last year. Thanks to cost-cutting efforts, the company saw progress in its turnaround quarter-over-quarter, posting a KRW 82 billion (USD 73.1 million) operating profit in the first quarter. An aggressive product line-up, led by CINEMA 3D TVs and Smart TVs, is expected to continue to drive profits and expand market share for the Home Entertainment business.

LG Mobile Communications Company first-quarter revenues decreased by 8.3 percent year-over-year to KRW 2.9 trillion (USD 2.6 billion). While overall handset shipments declined quarter-over-quarter as a result of slow seasonality, operating profit showed significant improvement in the first quarter due to an increase in smart phones in the company’s portfolio and reduction in overhead costs. The company expects to improve its product mix by launching new smart phones including the LG Optimus Black and the LG Optimus 3D and gain profitability by further cutting costs.

LG Home Appliance Company saw 13.4 percent increase in revenues year-over-year with KRW 2.7 trillion (USD 2.4 billion). First-quarter 2011 operating profit was KRW 103 billion (USD 91 million). Revenues increased in the overseas markets due to strong sales in North America and continuous growth in emerging markets such as Russia, India and other Asian markets. The company will continue to launch market-leading products while investing in new business areas and maintain profitability despite concerns over some component availability in the aftermath of the Japan earthquake and rise in raw material costs.

LG Air-Conditioning and Energy Solution Company first-quarter revenues grew 23.8 percent year-over-year to KRW 1.45 trillion (USD 1.3 billion) with operating profits of KRW 39 billion (USD 35 million). The company saw strong growth in Korea, the Americas and CIS markets with strategic offerings such as Multi V commercial air conditioning and Inverter products. Despite potential risks with political instability in the Middle East and Africa and cooler than expected weather in Asia, the company expects to see a growth in demand for both residential and commercial air conditioners as the peak selling season approaches. Continuous investments in LG’s business-to-business infrastructure and new business opportunities are expected to fuel the company’s long-term growth.

LG Electronics expects to see solid growth in the second quarter of 2011 with the start of the high season for air conditioners, continued momentum in home appliances, and aggressive global sales of LG CINEMA 3D TVs and Optimus smart phones. LG will continue to introduce new products in major categories including smart phones while investing persistently in R&D and marketing.