Intel is a semiconductor technology giant, renowned for its x86 processors that dominate the CPU segment, top revenue in Q2 2025 came from PC chips (Client Computing Group, ~$7.9B) and server/AI chips (Data Center & AI, ~$3.9B) . Other revenue includes foundry services ($4.4B) and legacy businesses ($1.1B).
But, for the last 4 years the company has experienced one disaster after another:
- Loss of Market Share & Intensified Competition vs AMDs Ryzen and NVIDIA AI GPUs has been major drivers for last 4 years of decline.
- Gross margin dropped to around 38–39% in 2024—a steep fall from pre‑pandemic levels above 60%, while NVIDIA maintained margins above 75%.
- Intel perpetually lagged in transitioning to advanced nodes (7 nm, 5 nm), resulting in costly delays and reduced competitiveness .
- Credit rating downgrade: In August 2025, Fitch downgraded Intel’s credit rating from BBB+ to BBB (negative outlook) due to weak demand and deteriorating profitability . S&P had already downgraded Intel to BB+, and Moody's also cut its rating in 2024 .
Recent events and price action show its time for a buy at these prices.
- Spin-off of Network & Edge (NEX) group: Intel announced the spin-off of its Network and Edge Group (NEX) into an independent entity focused on critical communications and networks, seeking external investors while retaining a major stake .
- Workforce reduction and factory cancellations: Intel confirmed layoffs of ~24,000 employees (~15% of workforce) and cancellation of chip plant projects in Germany and Poland . New CEO Lip-Bu Tan plans to cut the headcount to ~75,000 by year-end 2025 .
- Executive departures and internal reorganization: Three corporate VPs (Kaizad Mistry, Ryan Russell, Gary Patton) announced retirement from manufacturing operations amid deep restructuring . Intel also cut its manufacturing capacity planning and engineering teams as part of an efficiency-driven reorganization .
- Recent key products/services: Intel launched new Xeon 6 CPUs for AI workloads (e.g. Xeon 6776P) and is preparing Panther Lake CPUs (PCs) for 2025 . It also began 18A node production in Arizona and sold part of its Mobileye stake (~$922M) to boost liquidity .
Price/sales: Intel (0.80), AMD (10.3), NVIDIA (29.6), QCOM (3.68)
Wrap-Up
Intel's last four years have been marked by a series of structural, competitive, and strategic challenges—ranging from manufacturing delays to margin erosion and intense pressure from rivals like AMD and NVIDIA. Yet, the tide may be turning. With decisive actions like major cost-cutting initiatives, new AI-focused products, and progress in advanced node production, Intel is signaling a strategic pivot. Trading at a deep discount relative to peers based on the price-to-sales ratio, the stock reflects much of the past negativity. For investors seeking a long-term turnaround play in the semiconductor sector, now could be the moment to re-evaluate Intel’s potential.
Let’s see if this chip giant can turn the corner. Cheers!
Pablin
But, for the last 4 years the company has experienced one disaster after another:
- Loss of Market Share & Intensified Competition vs AMDs Ryzen and NVIDIA AI GPUs has been major drivers for last 4 years of decline.
- Gross margin dropped to around 38–39% in 2024—a steep fall from pre‑pandemic levels above 60%, while NVIDIA maintained margins above 75%.
- Intel perpetually lagged in transitioning to advanced nodes (7 nm, 5 nm), resulting in costly delays and reduced competitiveness .
- Credit rating downgrade: In August 2025, Fitch downgraded Intel’s credit rating from BBB+ to BBB (negative outlook) due to weak demand and deteriorating profitability . S&P had already downgraded Intel to BB+, and Moody's also cut its rating in 2024 .
Recent events and price action show its time for a buy at these prices.
- Spin-off of Network & Edge (NEX) group: Intel announced the spin-off of its Network and Edge Group (NEX) into an independent entity focused on critical communications and networks, seeking external investors while retaining a major stake .
- Workforce reduction and factory cancellations: Intel confirmed layoffs of ~24,000 employees (~15% of workforce) and cancellation of chip plant projects in Germany and Poland . New CEO Lip-Bu Tan plans to cut the headcount to ~75,000 by year-end 2025 .
- Executive departures and internal reorganization: Three corporate VPs (Kaizad Mistry, Ryan Russell, Gary Patton) announced retirement from manufacturing operations amid deep restructuring . Intel also cut its manufacturing capacity planning and engineering teams as part of an efficiency-driven reorganization .
- Recent key products/services: Intel launched new Xeon 6 CPUs for AI workloads (e.g. Xeon 6776P) and is preparing Panther Lake CPUs (PCs) for 2025 . It also began 18A node production in Arizona and sold part of its Mobileye stake (~$922M) to boost liquidity .
Price/sales: Intel (0.80), AMD (10.3), NVIDIA (29.6), QCOM (3.68)
Wrap-Up
Intel's last four years have been marked by a series of structural, competitive, and strategic challenges—ranging from manufacturing delays to margin erosion and intense pressure from rivals like AMD and NVIDIA. Yet, the tide may be turning. With decisive actions like major cost-cutting initiatives, new AI-focused products, and progress in advanced node production, Intel is signaling a strategic pivot. Trading at a deep discount relative to peers based on the price-to-sales ratio, the stock reflects much of the past negativity. For investors seeking a long-term turnaround play in the semiconductor sector, now could be the moment to re-evaluate Intel’s potential.
Let’s see if this chip giant can turn the corner. Cheers!
Pablin
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The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.
Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.