E Ink Holdings focusing development on non-ebook applications

Rebecca Kuo, Tainan; Adam Hwang, DIGITIMES [Friday 1 April 2016]

E Ink Holdings (EIH) has shifted its focus to electronic labeling, auxiliary smartphone screens, smart wearable devices, exterior display boards and electronic display panels, the company said at a March 31 investors conference.

To enhance applications for e-paper, EIH has partnered with Taiwan-based Netronix to develop educational e-books as well as China-based Holitech Technology and Wuxi Wei Feng Technology to tap the China market, the company said.

EIH recorded consolidated revenues of NT$2.798 billion (US$85 million), gross margin 35.81%, net operating loss NT$NT$188 million, net profit NT$766 million and net EPS NT$0.67 for fourth-quarter 2015, and consolidated revenues of NT$13.307 billion, gross margin 31.18%, net operating loss NT$449 million, net profit NT$539 million and net EPS at NT$0.47 for the whole year.

In 2015, EIH recognized a total loss of NT$1.861 billion due to closing South Korea-based subsidiary Hydis but enjoyed non-operating revenues of NT$3.196 billion mostly coming from licensing FFS (fringe field switching) LCD display technology to smartphone and tablet vendors, the company indicated. EIH will dispose of Hydis' factory buildings and production equipment in 2016.