Semiconductor equipment industry posts July '03 book-to-bill ratio

North American-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted $763 million in orders in July 2003 (three-month average basis) - six percent above the revised June 2003 level of $722 million; and a book-to-bill ratio of 0.97 - 35 percent below the $1.18 billion in orders posted in July 2002. These were according to the July 2003 Express Report published by Semiconductor Equipment and Materials Int. (SEMI).

SEMI further reports that the three-month average of worldwide billings in July 2003 was $788 million. The billings figure is one percent above the revised June 2003 level of $777 million and 19 percent below the July 2002 billings level of $969 million.

"Bookings grew for the first time since the March report due to improved order levels of wafer processing equipment," said Stanley Myers, president and CEO of SEMI. "The total semiconductor capital equipment sector remains on course to experience modest growth in 2003."