Japan-based semiconductor equipment manufacturers received 61.567 billion yen (US$682.92 million) in orders in September 2009, down 22.2% from the same period in 2008, according to data gathered by the Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan (SEAJ). On a sequential basis, the bookings figure was up 11% on the final August level of 55.457 billion.
The three-month average of worldwide billings was 48.219 billion in September, up 25% from 38.569 billion in August but down 42.2% from 83.408 billion in 2008, the data showed.
The book-to-bill ratio for Japan-based semiconductor-making equipment averaged 1.28 in September, compared to 1.44 in the prior month and 0.95 in September 2008. A book-to-bill ratio of 1.28 means that 128 yen worth of new orders was received for every 100 yen of product billed for the month.
A book-to-bill ratio of above 1.00 indicates a strong market where demand outpaces supply, whereas a book-to-bill ratio of below 1.00 points to weaker demand.
| SEAJ: Japan semiconductor equipment book-to-bill ratio, September 2009 (million yen) | |||
|
| Billings | Bookings | Book-to-bill ratio |
| March 2009 | 44,475 | 13,551 | 0.30 |
| April 2009 | 40,444 | 17,945 | 0.44 |
| May 2009 | 39,156 | 25,972 | 0.66 |
| June 2009 | 28,101 | 35,581 | 1.27 |
| July 2009 | 32,794 | 43,788 | 1.34 |
| August 2009 (final) | 38,569 | 55,457 | 1.44 |
| September 2009 (prelim) | 48,219 | 61,567 | 1.28 |
Source: SEAJ, compiled by Digitimes, October 2009
Article translated by Jessie Shen
