AMD Has Fallen and It Can't Get Up

But for now, some analysts sound skeptical about AMD's short-term goals. Management's bid to break even by the second quarter of 2003, at a sales level of $775 million, is "likely unachievable," writes Thornhill.

Assuming the company could meet its forecast for 20% sales growth in the December quarter, revenue would have to rise by another 27% over the ensuing two quarters to meet that goal -- a tricky feat given the listing PC market.

That means AMD's shares are likely to stay under pressure. Though the stock has rebounded sharply from its October low of $3.20, closing Monday at $6.52, it's still down about 60% for the year, underperforming the S&P by nearly 40%.