Lite-On IT expects to achieve average monthly shipments of five million optical disc drives (ODDs) in the third quarter, up from 4.5 million in the first quarter, according to Taiwan-based institutional investors.

However, despite having a more profitable ODD business than other Taiwan-based makers, as well as TSST (Toshiba-Samsung Storage Technology) and HLDS (Hitachi-LG Data Storage), Lite-On IT is facing a rigorous challenge trying to maintain profit growth, according to chairman Raymond Soong.

The company recently distributed a dividend per share of NT$4.5 in cash and NT$0.5 in stock for its 2004 operation.

From DigiTimes