Intel stock plunge after weak Q4 guidance cuts U.S. government stake value by over $10 billion

Intel’s shares fell more than 25% on October 30, 2026 after the company projected fourth‑quarter revenue of $15‑$16 billion and EPS of $0.25, both below analysts’ expectations. The drop reduced the U.S. Commerce Department’s 10% stake value from about $39.9 billion to roughly $28‑$30 billion, shaving more than $10 billion off the investment. The government originally bought the shares at $20.47 each, a cost of about $8.9 billion, leaving the stake still worth roughly three times its purchase price.

The sharp decline erased over $100 billion in Intel’s market value, signaling heightened risk for shareholders and highlighting the sensitivity of the stock to guidance misses. The government’s stake remains profitable, but the paper loss may affect sentiment toward other tech holdings in the portfolio.

  • 1Intel’s stock opened down over 25% at $68.35 per share on Friday, October 30, 2026.
  • 2Shares traded at $65.91, a 28.41% drop from the prior close of $92.07.
  • 3The Commerce Department’s 433.3 million‑share stake was valued at about $39.9 billion after the prior close.
  • 4At $65.91 per share, the stake’s value fell to about $28.56 billion, a decline of roughly $11.34 billion in one session.
  • 5The government purchased the shares at $20.47 per share, costing about $8.9 billion.
  • 6Intel projects fourth‑quarter revenue of $15 billion to $16 billion, below the $17 billion Wall Street expected.

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