INTC Stock Today: January 24 – Plunges 17% on Weak Q1 Guide, AI Supply Crunch
Intel stock fell 17% after management guided Q1 to break-even EPS with revenue below Wall Street expectations, blaming AI chip supply constraints and sub-target yields. The drop pressures confidence in the turnaround and puts focus on 18A and 14A execution. Investors will look for clearer timing on foundry 14A customers and when supply normalizes. We review what the move means for U.S. investors, how INTC now screens, and the milestones that matter into the next earnings report.
Why shares plunged 17% today
The company guided Q1 to break-even EPS with revenue below consensus, signaling limited margin progress near term. Management flagged weaker-than-expected unit availability and a slower mix shift to higher-value products. That combination dampened expectations for early 2026 improvement and triggered a sharp reset in Intel stock, according to initial coverage from source.
Management cited AI data center chip supply constraints and sub-target yields that are delaying shipments and weighing gross margins. Until yields improve on newer nodes, availability for accelerators and server CPUs will remain tight, slowing revenue conversion. These manufacturing troubles overshadowed positive elements from the quarter, contributing to the Intel stock slide, per source.
Turnaround hinges on manufacturing nodes
Progress on 18A is central to restoring performance and margins. Investors should track wafer starts, tape-outs from key customers, and yield ramps each quarter. Clear evidence of stable yields and repeatable cycle times would support better gross margins and delivery schedules. Without that, the path to sustainable earnings recovery for Intel stock stays uncertain and sentiment remains fragile.
The foundry strategy needs visible commitments from foundry 14A customers and credible timing on volume ramps. Signed, multi-year orders and product disclosures would validate the pipeline and improve confidence in future utilization. Any slippage in customer timelines could pressure the thesis and extend the recovery window, making updates on agreements and pilot production critical for Intel stock holders.
Where Intel stock stands on valuation and sentiment
On recent figures, price-to-sales is about 4.06 and price-to-book is near 1.91, while P/E is not meaningful given negative TTM EPS. Market cap sits around $215 billion. Analyst views skew cautious: 8 Buy, 24 Hold, 5 Sell, with a Hold consensus (3.00). A separate composite rating shows a C with a Sell tilt, reflecting weak profitability and execution risk.
Short-term signals are mixed. RSI is 61.43, while ADX at 18.57 suggests no strong trend. ATR at 1.71 points to elevated day-to-day swings. Volume recently printed 190,066,400 versus a 96,669,809 average, showing heavy activity. With CCI at 161.09, conditions look overbought, so pacing entries and sizing risk matter for Intel stock traders.
What to watch next
We will track management commentary on AI chip supply, lead times, and backlog conversion, plus any notes from large cloud customers. Consistent improvements in yields, fewer late-stage reworks, and faster ship cycles would signal healthier availability. That would support revenue quality and margins, easing pressure on Intel stock as execution stabilizes.
The next earnings update is scheduled for April 23, 2026. Key catalysts include progress reports on 18A and 14A yields, any disclosures around foundry 14A customers, and guidance on revenue growth and gross margin. Updates on capital spending, cost controls, and product mix will also shape sentiment toward Intel stock.
Final Thoughts
For U.S. investors, the 17% slide resets expectations and raises the bar for proof. The near-term story depends on better AI chip supply and steady yield gains on 18A and 14A. Clear customer commitments for advanced nodes would also help reduce uncertainty. We would track quarterly yield disclosures, lead-time trends, and any new foundry wins. Into April 23, 2026, watch guidance for revenue and margins, plus updates on customer timing. Intel stock can recover if manufacturing execution improves and supply tightness eases, but position sizing and patience remain key while risk stays elevated.
FAQs
Why did Intel stock drop 17% today?
Management guided Q1 to break-even EPS with revenue below expectations and highlighted AI chip supply constraints plus sub-target yields. That combination weakens near-term growth and margin visibility. Investors reacted by repricing the turnaround risk and pushing shares lower as they await clearer progress on manufacturing and demand.
What is the Intel Q1 outlook and why does it matter?
The Intel Q1 outlook calls for break-even EPS and revenue below the Street. It matters because it implies limited near-term margin expansion and slower shipment conversion amid tight AI chip supply. The guide also adds pressure on management to deliver faster yield improvement and firmer customer timelines.
How do 18A and 14A affect Intel stock in 2026?
These nodes are central to performance, efficiency, and cost. If yields on 18A and 14A improve and customers commit volume, utilization and margins can rise, supporting earnings. Delays or weak uptake would extend pressure. Investors should watch yield ramps, tape-outs, and any news on foundry 14A customers.
Is Intel stock a buy after the selloff?
Analyst views are mixed: 8 Buy, 24 Hold, 5 Sell, with a Hold consensus. The setup depends on supply normalization, yield progress, and customer commitments. Risk remains elevated into April 23, 2026. A staged approach and strict risk controls may suit many investors while waiting for clearer execution data.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
