PIDA stated that in the first half of 2016 the top ten Taiwanese optical components companies experienced a 17% decline in total revenue, and net profits fell from NT$7.97 billion to NT$6.52 billion. Furthermore, capital expenditures declined 8% to NT$2.75 billion.

Industry leader Largan Precision's revenue fell 25% during the first half of 2016 which impacted the output value of Taiwan's precision optics. Meanwhile, with a 28% increase in revenue, Glorytek showed the best performance. Likewise, Calin Technology benefited from crossing over into vehicle and other non-camera related fields, and they therefore experienced revenue growth and declining losses.

PIDA commented that in the first half of 2016, there was an 18% decline in output for Taiwan's precision optical components, which was mainly due to a 25% decline in Largan Precision's revenue. However, Largan Precision's net capital expenditures remained relatively strong. In the coming second half of the year their performance should recover.

Despite a slight 4% decline, Asia Optical's net profits have increased dramatically, and Calin Technology has experienced a 7% growth in revenue and a significant reduction in loses. It is apparent that the companies are experiencing the initial positive results of switching to niche products in non-digital camera related domains, such as vehicles.

(TR/ Phil Sweeney)