October 19, 2004 – North American-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted $1.36 billion in orders in September 2004 (three-month average basis) and a book-to-bill ratio of 0.96, according to SEMI. A book-to-bill of 0.96 means that $96 worth of orders were received for every $100 of product billed for the month.

According to SEMI’s just published September 2004 Book-to-Bill Report, the $1.36 billion three-month average of worldwide bookings is 10% below the revised August 2004 level of $1.51 billion and 75%above the $778.8 million in orders posted in September 2003.

The three-month average of worldwide billings in September 2004 was $1.42 billion. The billings figure is 5% below the revised August 2004 level of $1.50 billion and 75% above the September 2003 billings level of $811.1 million.

“Total billings for semiconductor equipment by North American producers in the first three quarters of 2004 have increased 71% over the same period last year, affirming expectations for strong growth in 2004,” said Stanley T. Myers, president and CEO of SEMI. “The September data reflects the expected decline in bookings as IC companies have responded quickly to increased inventory levels and become cautious about new spending on equipment.”