2025-12-29 01:04PCB Industry Research Summary Industry Overview - The PCB industry outlook for 2026 is optimistic, with AI computing power remaining the main theme. The market size is expected to grow from $84.5 billion in 2025 to between $94 billion and $98 billion in 2026 [1][3] - AI-related PCB demand is projected to significantly increase, particularly in high-end HDI and multilayer boards, driven by the needs of companies like NVIDIA, Huawei, and Ascend [1][5] Key Trends and Developments - The CCL segment shows promising growth prospects, with a shortage of high-speed materials leading to significant ASP (Average Selling Price) increases. Leading domestic companies like Shennan Circuits are integrating into NVIDIA's supply chain, which is expected to drive volume growth in the coming years [1][7] - The PCB equipment sector, particularly drilling machines (including back drilling and laser drilling), is crucial. Domestic company Dazhong CNC is highlighted as a key player, with significant growth expected in high-end back drilling equipment [1][8] Financial Performance - In 2025, the PCB sector performed exceptionally well, achieving an average return of 150%, outperforming the overall electronic sector's return of approximately 40% [2] - Despite fluctuations in the PCB market throughout 2025, leading companies exceeded performance expectations, contributing to a substantial increase in the sector [11] Material and Equipment Insights - Upstream material prices are generally on an upward trend, with copper prices reaching historical highs and fiberglass prices continuing to rise, which is pushing up CCL and PCB product prices [4][15] - The demand for AI-related products is expected to account for 50-60% of total PCB demand by 2026, significantly impacting production capacity and operational rates [4][31] Investment Opportunities - Investment opportunities are emerging in various segments, including high-end HDI, multilayer boards, and the CCL sector, with companies like Dazhong CNC and Nanya showing potential [4][16] - Traditional consumer electronics PCB companies are also making strides in the AI computing sector, with companies like Pengding and Dongshan increasing capital expenditures and securing orders from major clients [27] Future Outlook - The PCB industry is expected to continue benefiting from the growth in AI-related demand, with the proportion of AI in total PCB demand projected to rise from nearly 30% in 2025 to higher levels in 2026 [12][31] - The industry is entering a prolonged capacity expansion cycle, with significant capital expenditures planned by multiple companies to meet growing market demands [14] Conclusion - The PCB industry is poised for significant growth driven by AI computing needs, technological advancements, and strategic investments in capacity expansion. The overall sentiment for 2026 remains positive, with various segments showing robust potential for returns [10][24]