Taiwanese display panel maker AU Optronics (AUO +8.7%), hit hard in 2011 by TV industry weakness, is rallying after reporting December sales of NT$27.7B ($925.2M). While the figure represents a 9.4% M/M and Y/Y drop, it was better than expected, and backs up positive comments made by AU's chairman in December. Rival LG Display (LPL +4.8%) is also up strongly.