LONDON — The AFDEC (Association of Franchised Distributors of Electronic Components) statistics for February 2006 show total average daily component bookings (net sales orders entered) in the U.K. increased by 5.6% when compared to the previous month and increased by 17.4% when compared to the same period last year.

Compared to January 2006 semiconductor bookings were up by 2.3%; passives up by 3.7%; electromechanicals up by 5.1%; component assemblies” up by 24.6% and other products by 6.6%.

The total average daily billings (net sales invoiced less credits) in February 2006 increased by 5.5%, when compared to January '06 and increased by 6.4% when compared to the same period last year. Billing changes by sector compared to January showed semiconductor up by 9.2%; passives up by 0.7%; electromechanicals up by 3.3%; component assemblies up by 4.7% and other products up by 1.1%.

The overall book-to-bill ratio in February remained flat but positive at 1.10:1. Overall stock turn ratios declined slightly to 2.2 times, with overall inventory levels increasing by 2%. Debtor days increased slightly to a total of 68.1 days.

According to AFDEC Chairman Adam Fletcher, AFDEC members are consistent in reporting a positive book-to-bill ratio and are expecting the improvement in both bookings and billings to continue. “This is great news, however two months figures can't be viewed as much of a trend. The book-to-bill ratio needs to increase steadily before we can expect to see significant growth in sales revenue,” said Fletcher