“The North American equipment book-to-bill ratio increased in November, as billings declined at a steeper pace than bookings based on a 3-month average,” explains Stanley T. Myers, president and CEO of SEMI. “Total orders for semiconductor equipment have declined about 16% from the peak observed in June of 2004, though they remain well above levels reported in 2003.”

(December 21, 2004) Stamford, Conn.&#8212Worldwide semiconductor capital equipment spending is on pace to increase 61% in 2004, but spending in 2005 is projected to decline 15%, according to Gartner, Inc.