Sinking chips

Chipmakers are finding that emerging from an industry-wide slump is a slow, arduous process. Though some analysts have speculated that the semiconductor sector has bottomed out, earnings reports and warnings from some of its bellwethers tell a different story. Today, National Semiconductor reported that its earnings and sales are still suffering, LSI Logic warned of a shortfall, and Analog Devices posted weak earnings while predicting more hard times still to come.

National Semi leads chip downturn The company warns of widening losses to come as Intel gets dowgraded, and chip stocks fall on the news. LSI plunges on warning The chipmaker says flagging orders will push its results below the Street's already lowered expectations, and its stock drops as a result. Analog Devices earnings short- The integrated circuits manufacturer reports sharply lower fiscal third-quarter earnings and forecast a disappointing fourth quarter.