Intel shares plunge 28‑29% after weak Q4 revenue and earnings guidance

Intel reported third‑quarter revenue of $16.5 billion and adjusted EPS of $0.52, but guided fourth‑quarter revenue to $15 billion‑$16 billion and adjusted EPS to $0.25, well below analyst expectations of about $17 billion and $0.43. The guidance, together with a forecast of PC shipments falling 12% in 2026 and 10% in 2027, triggered a sell‑off that sent the stock down 28.6%‑29% on October 30, 2026. Analysts cut price targets and downgraded the stock, citing the PC market weakness and uncertainty around Intel’s foundry transition.

The guidance miss implies lower near‑term revenue and earnings, increasing downside risk for investors; analysts responded with downgrades and price‑target cuts, indicating a more cautious outlook. The sharp price decline also means the stock must rise roughly 40% to recover its prior level, raising the hurdle for any short‑term rebound.

  • 1Intel reported Q3 revenue of $16.5 billion and adjusted EPS of $0.52 per share.
  • 2Intel guided Q4 revenue to a range of $15 billion‑$16 billion, below analyst expectations of about $17 billion.
  • 3Intel guided adjusted Q4 EPS to $0.25 per share, versus the $0.43 expected by analysts.
  • 4The company forecast PC shipments to decline about 12% in 2026 and about 10% in 2027.
  • 5Intel shares fell 28.6% to $65.76 on October 30, 2026, wiping out roughly $140 billion of market value.
  • 6Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon cut his price target from $110 to $75, and Bank of America downgraded Intel from Buy to Neutral.

Sources