SAN JOSE – North American manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted $1.59 billion in October orders, up 110.7% year-over-year and down 3.5% sequentially.

The book-to-bill ratio fell below the benchmark 1.0 level, however, suggesting softness ahead.

October billings were $1.62 billion, up 133.7% year-over-year and up 0.7% sequentially.

The book-to-bill ratio was 0.98, says SEMI. A book-to-bill of 0.98 means $98 worth of orders were received for every $100 of product billed for the month.

“The October book-to-bill ratio dipped below parity for the first time since June 2009, as continued billings strength was accompanied by a hesitation in new orders,” said Stanley T. Myers, president and CEO of SEMI. "The market for new equipment reflects seasonal softening and near-term respite in capital spending in some segments of the industry. However, bookings remain at more than double the figure reported one year ago and above the average figure reported during the 2006-2007 cycle.”