Murata Manufacturing

Morgan Stanley expects Murata to increase revenue from multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) for AI and data center applications by 85–90% in the fiscal year through March 2027. Growth is expected to come from higher shipment volumes and an improved average selling price due to an optimized product mix (miniaturization, higher capacitances); prices for identical products have not been raised at this time. Murata is expanding MLCC capacity by about 10% annually through 2026, plans a further 10% in 2027, and will invest an additional ¥80 billion from 2027 to boost capacity by 20–25% by 2028 to meet forecast demand. » More on de.investing.com

Murata Manufacturing shares rose 4.4% in Tokyo and Taiyo Yuden gained 10.8% after reports of price increases for passive components. Murata is said to have raised MLCC prices effective April 1, and Taiyo Yuden plans increases for MLCCs, inductors and electrolytic capacitors from May; the range of adjustments is reported to be between 15% and 35%. Goldman Sachs commented that confirmed price increases, particularly for MLCCs, are likely to have positive effects for Murata, Taiyo Yuden and the industry, and noted that Murata’s moving up of the measures surprised investors. » More on de.investing.com

Murata has raised its forecast for MLCC shipment volumes in AI servers for 2025–2030 to a 30% CAGR (previously 18% for 2024–2030). The upgrade is driven by an increase in MLCCs per baseboard from 15,000 to 20,000 units and higher shipments of AI accelerators; Murata says it is well positioned as a market leader. The company also reports demand gains in the automotive sector (ADAS/autonomous driving), plans to win back market share in smartphone RF modules in 2026, and has confirmed orders for power modules expected to contribute revenue in the fiscal year ending March 2027. » More on de.investing.com