I notice that they are quick to launch datasheets for chips that aren't ready for production yet. Take for example the AVR32 flash based devices. Very powerful, cool looking products, but you can't get em unless they're samples which is kind of a pain. 6 months after the datasheets were released, still nothing at the major suppliers.
Well, Atmel had kind of a rough year on the US stock market -everyone did. Not to say this has anything to do with it, but I remember it trading shares at $1USD