Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International Reports Record Orders

Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (Mountain View, CA) recently reported that the North American-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted a third-straight month of record orders in January 2000, and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.34.

The three-month average of worldwide shipments in January 2000 was $1.6 billion, which is two percent above the December 1999 level, and 82 percent above the January 1999 shipment level of $890.0 million. The three-month average of bookings in January 2000 was $2.2 billion. The bookings figure is 15 percent above December 1999, and 119 percent above the $997.0 million posted in January 1999. January bookings came in 33 percent above the previous cycle peak of $1.63 billion booked in November 1997.

"We are pleased to see the robust order level for equipment," said President Stanley T. Myers. "It confirms the strength of the current market cycle. Continuing strength and industry stability requires that spending remain aligned with underlying semiconductor market dynamics."