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SEMI book-to-bill ratio of 0.93 in February could be best for year |
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Mar 19, 2008 at 07:57 PM |
 With memory manufacturers, especially NAND flash producers capital spending plans front-half year loaded and continued tightening of spending at the major foundries in 2008, the latest SEMI February 2008 Book-to-Bill ratio of 0.93 for February could be the best figures presented this year!
SEMI noted that the three-month average of worldwide bookings in February 2008 was $1.23 billion, up from $1.14 billion in January and a 0.89 book-to-bill ratio but down 12 percent when compared to 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."
The 12 percent decline from a year-ago indicates that further declines could be expected as the year progresses, especially in the second-half period when capital spending is expected to fall further than the first-half of 2008. This could lead to further downward revisions of total CapEx spending for 2008 from market research firms. Currently the consensus is in the 15 percent negative range compared to 2007. 
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