Results in May were mixed but Book-to-Bill remains positive

Total North American PCB shipments decreased 4.2 percent in May 2015 from May 2014, and year-to-date shipment growth declined to -1.8 percent. Compared to the previous month, PCB shipments were down 3.5 percent. PCB bookings increased by 10.4 percent compared to May 2014, returning the year-to-date order growth rate to positive territory at 1.3 percent. Orders increased 0.9 percent in May compared to the previous month. “North American PCB sales continued below last year’s level, but orders resumed positive growth and the book-to-bill ratio remains positive for the eighth straight month,” said Sharon Starr, IPC’s director of market research. “This indicates the likelihood of strengthening sales growth in the second half of this year,” she added. ----- Images: © IPC