(January 20, 2006) San Jose, CA &#8212 On a 3-month-average basis, North American-based semiconductor equipment manufacturers posted $1.14 billion in orders in December 2005 and a book-to-bill ratio of 0.96, according to SEMI’s December 2005 Book-to-Bill Report. This book-to-bill ratio shows that $96 worth of orders were received for every $100 of product billed for the month.

The 3-month average of worldwide bookings in December 2005 was $1.14 billion &#8212 just under 5% higher than the final November 2005 level of $1.09 billion, and 7% below the $1.24 billion in orders posted in December 2004. The same average of worldwide billings in December 2005 was $1.19 billion &#8212 half of a percent above the final November 2005 level of $1.18 billion, and 10% below the December 2004 billings level of $1.32 billion.

“Bookings for North American-based semiconductor equipment providers continue to show strength for a third consecutive month,” says Stanley T. Myers, SEMI’s president and CEO. “The positive momentum reflects growing confidence in the industry and indicates a positive outlook for the year ahead.”