NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Feb 13, 2012) - Semiconductor stocks have performed well in the early stages of 2012. The PowerShares Dynamic Semiconductors ETF -- with most of its components coming predominantly from chipmakers -- is up more than 13 percent year to date as industry heavyweights posted strong earnings results for the final quarter of 2011. Five Star Equities examines the outlook for companies in the semiconductor industry and provides equity research on Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: [ INTC ]) and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NYSE: [ AMD ]). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

[ www.fivestarequities.com/INTC ]

[ www.fivestarequities.com/AMD ]

Last week the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) reported that worldwide semiconductor sales for 2011 reached a record $299.5 billion, a year-on-year increase of 0.4 percent from the $298.3 billion recorded in 2010. "Between the natural disasters in Japan and Thailand and the overall impact of a weak global economy, 2011 presented a number of major challenges for the semiconductor industry. Despite these setbacks the industry showed resiliency and posted year-on-year growth with record-breaking revenues for 2011," said Brian Toohey, president, Semiconductor Industry Association.

The SIA gave a cautiously optimistic outlook for 2012. The SIA stated in a press release that it expects the semiconductor industry to experience further recovery due to increased demand across a broad range of end market segments combined with the delayed sales impact from the supply chain disruptions in the second half of 2011.

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on the semiconductor industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at [ www.fivestarequities.com ] and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Intel Corporation engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of integrated circuits for computing and communications industries worldwide. Last week the company agreed to pay $6.5 million to resolve an antitrust lawsuit in which New York's attorney general accused the world's largest chipmaker of threatening computer makers and paying billions of dollars of kickbacks.

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. operates as a semiconductor company in the United States, Japan, China, and Europe. Last week the company announced in a statement that its senior vice president and chief sales officer Emilio Ghilardi was departing the company effective immediately.

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