Sector Report Summary: Technology Company and Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **PCB (Printed Circuit Board)** industry, particularly in relation to **Nvidia** and **ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit)** platforms [2][3]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Performance Comparison**: PCB names underperformed compared to optics in Q4 2025, but a recovery is expected starting Q1 2026 due to recent developments, including PCB scaling and Nvidia's Kyber backplane [2]. - **Scaling Trends**: PCB scaling is anticipated to be an inevitable trend over the next 2-3 years for both Nvidia and ASIC platforms, despite concerns regarding optics [3]. - **Material Preferences**: The report expresses a positive outlook on **EMC** for M9 leadership, **HVLP4 copper material** due to tight supply and demand, and PCB drills due to increased usage and price hikes [4]. - **Market Forecast**: The AI PCB market's Total Addressable Market (TAM) is projected to reach **RMB 28.4 billion** in 2025, **RMB 89.8 billion** in 2026, and **RMB 184.4 billion** in 2027, with additional demand from optical modules and switches [6]. - **M9 Adoption**: M9 adoption is expected to extend to ASIC programs starting in 2027, with EMC being the only qualified supplier for M9 [6]. Risks Identified - **Demand Deceleration**: Potential deceleration in AI demand poses a risk [5]. - **Geopolitical Impact**: Geopolitical factors could affect the industry [5]. - **Competition**: Increased competition within the PCB market is a concern [5]. Additional Important Insights - **Supply Chain Dynamics**: AWS's T3 liquid cooling version will adopt an architecture similar to Nvidia's Oberon, indicating growth in PCB/CCL content per chip [6]. - **Quality Issues**: Quality issues with Mitsui Mining's HVLP copper fill at EMC have led to Co-tech becoming a preferred supplier [6]. - **Price Trends**: Drill prices have increased by **15%** starting January 2026 due to tight capacity and rising raw material costs [6]. - **Order Increases**: Monthly orders from Victoria Giant to Dtech have quadrupled in January compared to November, reaching approximately **90 million units** per month [6]. Conclusion The report indicates a positive outlook for the PCB industry, particularly with the anticipated growth in AI applications and the strategic developments involving major players like Nvidia and AWS. However, potential risks such as demand deceleration and geopolitical impacts should be monitored closely.