Forget a Second-Half Rebound for Communication Chip Makers

It's time to put to rest any remaining hopes that the communication-chip sector could still be part of the second-half turnaround that some semiconductor companies are predicting.

During Applied Micro Circuit's (AMCC Quote) dismal conference call Tuesday, Chief Executive Dave Rickey said what other communication chip makers hadn't yet said quite so plainly -- evidence of a second-half turnaround is "theoretical" and "anecdotal" at best. In other words, the company hasn't seen any real signs of a rebound; it only has heard from customers that it could happen, which is hardly reassuring. ...