North America February book-to-bill ratio is 0.93

SAN JOSE, USA: The North American-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted $1.23 billion in orders in February 2008 (three-month average basis) and a book-to-bill ratio of 0.93 according to the February 2008 Book-to-Bill Report published by SEMI. A book-to-bill of 0.93 means that $93 worth of orders were received for every $100 of product billed for the month.

The three-month average of worldwide bookings in February 2008 was $1.23 billion. The bookings figure is about eight percent greater than the final January 2008 level of $1.14 billion, but 12 percent less than the $1.40 billion in orders posted in February 2007.

The three-month average of worldwide billings in February 2008 was $1.32 billion. The billings figure is about three percent greater than the final January 2008 level of $1.28 billion, but about eight percent less than the February 2007 billings level of $1.42 billion.

"The three month average for North American bookings and billings improved slightly in February, however they remain at levels below those reported last year," said Stanley T. Myers, president and CEO of SEMI. “Though current inventory and utilization rates are at healthy levels, device manufacturers are being conservative in their capex spending."