Notebook and handset PCB makers see orders declining

Due to seasonality and an unclear economic future, notebook and handset printed circuit board (PCB) makers are facing low order visibility for the first quarter of 2008 which is expected to affect their first quarter revenues by 10-15% or possibly even 15-20% or more, according to industry sources.

Benefits from increased notebook demand in the fourth quarter of 2007 helped notebook PCB makers set historical records for both quarterly revenues and shipments. However, seasonality in the first quarter and the fewer working days in February due to the Lunar New Year mean that makers including Hannstar Board and Gold Circuit Electronics (GCE) expect their first-quarter revenues to drop 10-15% on quarter.

Despite the low order volumes in the first quarter, sources at Hannstar Board stressed that orders are simply being put off until the second quarter meaning there will be no impact to the company's overall growth predictions for 2008.