Tuesday's Tech Winners & Losers

Shares of Merix(MERX Quote) were among technology's losers Tuesday, tumbling 24% after the maker of printed circuit boards slashed its first-quarter earnings projection.

For the period ended Aug. 26, the company estimates earnings of 19 cents to 21 cents a share, excluding certain items. In June, the company forecast adjusted first-quarter earnings of 31 cents to 35 cents a share. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call had forecast earnings of 31 cents a share. Merix fared better on the top line and estimated revenue of $106 million. That would meet the high end of its guidance of $102 million to $106 million.

The company blamed the earnings shortfall on higher raw material costs, higher outsourcing costs in Asia, and higher-than-expected professional fees. "Although we are pleased that we continue to grow revenues, we are disappointed that we did not satisfactorily convert our top-line successes to increased profits," Merix said. Shares were trading down $3.39 to $10.66.

Shares of PMC-Sierra(PMCS Quote) slid 10% after the chipmaker cut its third-quarter revenue outlook. For the period ending Oct. 1, the company now sees revenue of $114 million to $116 million, down from an earlier view of $122 million to $124 million. Analysts project revenue of $123.2 million. The company blamed the revenue shortfall on changes in customer demand for its communications products.