Handset PCB maker Compeq Manufacturing ended five consecutive losing quarters by returning to profits in the third quarter of 2010 with net income of NT$111 million (US$3.6 million). Compeq said its NT$31 million loss on operating activities was offset by equity method gains from its China plant. Besides, improved yield rates in the production of any-layer HDI boards as well as falling raw material prices helped reduce its production costs in the third quarter, the company added.

Compeq narrowed its losses to NT$584 million for the first three quarters of 2010. The losses translated into a loss of NT$0.49 per share.

Compeq revealed it is capable of producing HDI boards with a monthly capacity of 1.2-1.3 million square feet, and its supply is running tight.

Fellow PCB company Unitech Printed Circuit Board has said its capacity utilization is expected to climb from 85-88% in the third quarter to 95% in the fourth, helped by increased demand for HDI boards from the smartphone sector. Its yield rate in the production of HDI board has exceeded 80%.