Semiconductor equipment bookings from North America-based manufacturers have risen for the second consecutive month, posting US$288.5 million in orders in May 2009. The book-to-bill ratio also increased to 0.74, up from 0.65 in April when bookings were US$249 million based on SEMI’s final analysis. Preliminary booking figures for April had been US$253 million.
"Bookings for the North American semiconductor equipment market are still near historically low levels, though the sharp declines have subsided,” said Dan Tracy, Senior Director of Industry Research and Statistics at SEMI. “While recent industry data show increased semiconductor device unit sales, the industry is waiting for stronger signals to increase capital investments.”
The three-month average of worldwide bookings in May 2009 was $288.5 million. The bookings figure is 16% higher than the final April 2009 level but 72% less than the US$1.03 billion in orders posted in May 2008.
The three-month average of worldwide billings in May 2009 was $391.9 million, just over 1% greater than the final April 2009 level of $385.7 million, and about 72% less than the May 2008 billings level of $1.31 billion.