In discharge lamps, UV lamps for lithography saw an increase in replacement demand as users’ operating rates remained high, in addition to an increase in capital investment by semiconductor-related manufacturers and OLED-related manufacturers. In xenon lamps for cinema projectors, although demand increased due to the continuing installation of new cinema screens primarily in China, sales were impacted by intensified price competition. Sales of lamps for data projectors increased due to growth in new products by end-product manufacturers.
Demand for halogen lamps for office automation applications declined, due to economic weakness in developing countries.
As a result, sales in the light sources business decreased by 5.8% year on year to ¥74,046 million. Segment profit was ¥8,119 million.
In discharge lamps, demand will likely increase for UV lamps for lithography and xenon lamps for cinema projectors, but there are concerns about the impact of a decline in unit prices in line with intensified price competition. Meanwhile, we expect solid-state light sources to drive sales growth based mainly on anticipated growth in demand for laser light sources for projectors.
Demand for halogen lamps is expected to remain mostly unchanged.
| Sales | 2017 | 2018 (plan) |
|---|---|---|
| Discharge lamps (including solid state light sources) |
¥59.7 billion | ¥62.5 billion |
| Halogen lamps | ¥12.1 billion | ¥12.0 billion |
| Total | ¥71.9 billion | ¥74.5 billion |
