Lite-On IT said it overtook Samsung to become the world’s second-largest optical-drive maker with 15 million units shipped in the first half of the year, trailing only LG Electronics’ 25.5 million. Of the company’s first-half output, 51% was in CD-RW drives, 30% in CD-ROM drives and less than 20% in DVD-ROM drives. Going forward, Lite-On IT said it plans to boost the ratio of DVD-ROM drives in shipments to over 30%, while decreasing that of CD-ROM drives to 20%. Production of slim-type and combo CD-RW/DVD-ROM products is still at an early stage with sizable scale expected by year-end.

Separately, the company reported a first-half net profit of NT$2.8 billion, or NT$8.98 per share, on sales of NT$21.2 billion. As the profit rate represents 70% of its full-year estimate, Lite-On IT said it may re-evaluate its earnings target at the end of the current quarter. Sales in the coming months will strengthen and stay above the NT$3 billion monthly level, it added, after having hit bottom in June and July