AU Optronics (NYSE:AUO) Courts Uncertainty as TV Shipments Remain Flat

AU Optronics (NYSE:AUO) has little in the way of catalysts as it enters 2011, and with there being little in the way of pricing power for TV sets, it appears the year will be another tough one for them.

Ticonderoga says, "TV Shipments Expected to be Flat to Down Q/Q in 1Q11, While IT to Rise. Looking into 1Q11, AU Optronics expects pricing in the TV market to remain flat, while IT pricing is expected to uptick slightly, as many panels are at or below cash cost, as we have been highlighting. For 1Q11 shipments, AU Optronics expects TV shipments to be flat to slightly down, while IT shipments are expected to uptick marginally. Keep in mind, the forecasts from the panel industry have been overly optimistic over the past year. Our estimates are currently under review."

Ticonderoga maintains a 'Neutral' rating on AU Optronics (AUO), which closed Thursday at $9.87, losing $0.13, or 1.30 percent.