Intel’s Little Setback

One does detect a rather unseemly flurry of activity surrounding Intel [INTC +0.11%] after hours. Apparently, the quarterly figures, while not precisely disastrous, haven’t exactly set the Thames on fire. A dip of 6.7% from $54.32? Oh, terribly tiresome, really. One has seen more dramatic collapses over a misplaced canapé, but still…it’s a nuisance.

A Forecast Less Bright Than One Had Hoped

The fourth quarter of 2025, it seems, was perfectly adequate. Sales of $13.7 billion – a smidge above the anticipated $13.39 billion – and adjusted earnings per share of $0.15, exceeding the paltry $0.08 expectation. Quite. But the first quarter of 2026? A projected revenue range of $11.7 to $12.7 billion, and earnings…well, a rather stark zero. Analysts, naturally, were hoping for $12.55 billion and a measly five cents per share. One begins to suspect someone hasn’t been paying attention to the ledger.

David Zinsner, Intel’s financial officer, assures us that this temporary inconvenience is merely a matter of ‘available supply’ reaching its nadir before, presumably, ascending to the heavens. One trusts he has a plan. Or at least a very good tailor. A man must always look presentable, even when facing financial headwinds.

A Word to the Wise (and the Impatient)

Currently, Intel is trading at a rather extravagant 904 times trailing earnings. One suspects a degree of optimism has been factored in. For those with the patience of Job – and a considerable amount of disposable income – a long-term position might not be entirely unreasonable. However, for those seeking a quick profit, a separate investment – perhaps a tech ETF that includes Intel, thus diluting the risk – might prove a more sensible course of action. Or, of course, one could simply invest in something less… volatile. Champagne, for instance. It rarely disappoints.

2026-01-23 01:03

A Forecast Less Bright Than One Had Hoped

A Word to the Wise (and the Impatient)

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