Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive investment outlook for the PCB industry, driven by the rapid growth in AI demand and technological advancements [5][20]. Core Insights - The PCB industry is undergoing a structural upgrade, with AI computing power demand being a core variable reshaping the market landscape. The global PCB market is expected to exceed $78.6 billion by 2025, with AI servers, smart electric vehicles, and high-speed communication devices as the main growth pillars [5][20]. - The report highlights that the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for AI server PCBs is projected to reach 32.5%, significantly higher than the industry average, driven by advancements in GPU architectures [5][6]. - The introduction of advanced packaging technologies like CoWoP is expected to enhance PCB value and performance, indicating a shift towards more complex and high-density designs [16][17]. Summary by Sections Industry Overview - PCB is a fundamental component in electronic devices, categorized by layers, structure, and technical characteristics. The industry is seeing a shift towards high-density interconnect (HDI) boards and multi-layer boards due to the increasing complexity of electronic systems [4][5]. Market Dynamics - The global PCB market is projected to grow from approximately $73.6 billion in 2024 to $78.6 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 5.2%. High-end PCBs are expected to be the main growth drivers, with AI-related PCBs currently valued at $5.6 billion [8][19]. - The report notes that the value of AI server PCBs has increased from $500 to over $2,500 due to the rising demand for high-end applications [8]. Technological Advancements - The report discusses the increasing requirements for PCBs in AI applications, including the need for higher layer counts and advanced materials to ensure signal integrity and performance [6][10]. - The introduction of glass substrates as a potential alternative to traditional organic substrates is highlighted, with advantages in surface flatness and thermal stability [18]. Competitive Landscape - The report identifies a concentrated market for high-end PCBs, with leading companies benefiting from technological barriers and scale advantages. In contrast, the mid-to-low-end PCB market remains highly competitive [19]. - Domestic companies are positioned favorably in the AI PCB sector, with ongoing capacity shortages and opportunities to penetrate overseas supply chains [19]. Investment Trends - The report notes that the PCB industry is experiencing a shift towards high-end development driven by technological innovations in electronics and communication sectors, with significant investment activities noted in upstream materials and equipment [20][21].