Intel Corp. (INTC) saw its stock plunge 25% on Thursday as the chipmaker’s Q4 earnings beat analysts’ expectations but a surprisingly weak guidance for the coming quarter left investors uneasy. The company reported revenue of $5.6 billion and earnings per share of $0.93, topping the consensus estimate of $0.85. However, Intel cut its 2025 revenue forecast to $5.3 billion, a 7% decline from the previous year, and warned that demand for its flagship CPUs would remain subdued.
The downgrade came amid growing pressure from competitors such as AMD and Nvidia, as well as ongoing supply‑chain bottlenecks that have slowed production. In the after‑hours trade, Intel’s shares fell from $65.00 to $48.50, a 25% drop, marking the steepest decline in the company’s history.
Analysts say the market reaction underscores the importance of forward‑looking guidance in the semiconductor sector, where even a modest earnings beat can be eclipsed by a cautious outlook. Investors will now be watching closely to see whether Intel can regain momentum in the next quarter and whether its new product roadmap will restore confidence.