Awaiting “stability in the overall economic outlook,” semiconductor device makers spent 40.4% less with North America-based manufacturers of semiconductor fab equipment year-over-year in September 2011. The September book-to-bill ratio published by SEMI fell to 0.75.
Worldwide bookings in September 2011 totaled $984.8 million, a 15.3% drop month-to-month, tipping below the billion mark. Year-over-year, bookings fell 40.4% ($1.65 billion in September 2010).
Worldwide billings from North American semiconductor fab tool makers in September 2011 was $1.31 billion, 9.8% less than August and 18.4% below September 2010 billings.
Bookings nearly reached the level last seen in late 2009, noted Stanley T. Myers, president and CEO of SEMI. Myers says that device makers “are investing in advanced technology,” but are waiting out macro-economic uncertainties before making broader investments.