FRANKFURT -- German fabricators of printed circuit boards August reported revenues rose about 40% year-over-year, but orders fell precipitously.

Incoming orders dropped by half sequentially in August, although they were up 27% from last year. The book-to-bill ratio fell a full point to 0.96, the first time in 13 months the ratio fell below the 1.0 benchmark for future growth. A book-to-bill of 0.96 means that for every 96 euros worth of boards ordered, 100 euros worth were shipped.

The month ran counter to norms: August sales typically are 7 to 8% lower than preceding months, said the trade group ZVEI PCB and Electronic Systems.

Through August, PCB sales were up 34% from last year. New orders were double last year's through August, ZVEI said.