Shares of Largan Precision Co (大立光), a leading local smartphone camera lens module supplier, are expected to near NT$3,000 this year on rising demand for high-end modules from international phone brands, market analysts said on Thursday.
The NT$3,000 mark would represent a new record for Largan shares, as the firm boosts its bottom line by taking advantage of its lead in 10-megapixel camera modules and even more advanced models.
Largan, considered one of the most important Apple suppliers in the nation, could witness its earnings per share (EPS) jump to no less than NT$160 this year, as it is able to secure more orders from major clients including Apple Inc.
In the first nine months of last year, Largan posted NT$89.51 in EPS, more than the NT$71.64 EPS reported for all 12 months of 2013.
The market has widely anticipated that EPS for last year would range between NT$130 and NT$140.
Expectations that Apple will continue to upgrade the specifications of its next-generation iPhones promise to keep benefiting the firm.
Market rumors indicate Apple could use 13-megapixel camera modules to replace the current 8-megapixel ones used in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
In the last trading session of last year on Wednesday, Largan shares closed up 0.84 percent at NT$2,395.00, leaving the stock up an impressive 97 percent from 2013.
It is the only stock in the local market to stand above the NT$2,000 mark, followed by semiconductor inspection tool and equipment maker Hermes Microvision Inc (漢微科), which closed at NT$1,600 at the end of last year.
As a result, Largan retained the title as the most expensive stock in the local market for the fourth consecutive year. It closed at NT$1,215 in 2013, NT$778 in 2012 and NT$566 in 2011.
The stock has become a favorite of foreign institutional investors, who have become the major traders of Largan shares due to the high price.
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