PCB makers Tripod Technology and Unimicron Technology reported modest sequential declines in October 2010 . With a strong third quarter and the peak season coming to an end, both companies could see a further sales drop-off in the fourth quarter, according to market watchers.

Unimicron's October consolidated revenues fell 1.59% sequentially to NT$5.806 billion (US$192.410 million). Revenues from January through October totaled NT$54.044 billion, up 57.23% on year.

Unimicron could see flat monthly growth in November revenues and a 5% decline for December due to seasonality, according to market watchers. HDI board orders, however, have remained strong thanks to positive sales in the smartphone and tablet PC sectors.

Tripod saw consolidated revenues contract 4% over the same period to NT$3.836 billion. The company pointed to less shipping days in October due to the National Day holidays in China and some customers moving up shipments to the end of September for the monthly sales decrease. Despite the decline, the October number was still the second highest total ever, the company added. Consolidated revenues from January though October came to NT$35.128 billion, up 31% from a year ago and already exceeding the NT$33.422 billion for 2009. Tripod's 2010 revenues are projected to reach NT$42 billion at least, market watchers said.

Tripod indicated that though demand for HDI boards is strong, orders for PCBs used in notebooks, optoelectronics products, DRAM modules and hard drives are very weak. Market watchers expect fourth-quarter revenues to fall by 5% sequentially.