Sharp says small, mid-size panel orders lower than expected

US-SHARP-EARNINGS-PANEL:Sharp says small, mid-size panel orders lower than expected

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Sharp Corp <6753.T> said orders for small and medium size panels for smartphones came in below expectations. But television sales improved, a company executive said on Friday.

Sharp reported a rebound to an operating profit in the third quarter, improving the bailed-out consumer electronics maker's chances of convincing lenders and shareholders that it is a viable company.

(Reporting by Reiji Murai)

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