1.   The company posted better-than-expected earnings earlier this week on strong sales of its specialty chips.

2.   Altera, a maker of specialty chips, was the leading gainer in the index.

3.   At least five analysts cut ratings on Altera, which makes programmable logic devices, or PLDs, specialty chips that customers can program themselves for specific applications.

4.   Atmel makes specialty chips that are used in telecommunications, consumer and automotive markets.

5.   A warning of slowing orders for its specialty chips sent its stock lower.

6.   Indeed, despite the broader industry slump, Altera Corp., a maker of specialty chips based in San Jose, Calif., reported record results Wednesday.

7.   In the U.S., Micron Technology and Milpitas, California-based LSI Logic Corp. have teamed up to develop these kind of specialty chips.

8.   Investor said sales of computer chips are picking up, and companies that make specialty chips are well-positioned to take advantage of rising orders.

9.   Intel will sell the processors, chipsets, motherboards and other specialty chips for easier remote management of a NetPC.

10.   Its Tempe plant makes a specialty chip used in communications devices.