Intel Announces Major Layoffs and Dividend Suspension Amid Financial Struggles and Competitive Pressures

By Kristoff De Turck - reviewed by Aldwin Keppens

Last update: Aug 2, 2024

Intel's shares dropped as much as 20% in extended trading after announcing it would lay off over 15% of its employees as part of a $10 billion cost-reduction plan and reporting earnings that fell short of analysts' expectations. Intel's stock drpped more than 18% aftermarket.

Key points from Intel's announcement:

Workforce Reduction: Over 15% of employees to be laid off.
Dividend Suspension: No dividend payment in Q4 2024.
Capital Expenditure Cut: Full-year capital expenditures reduced by over 20%.

Financial Performance:

Earnings: 2 cents per share (adjusted) vs. 10 cents expected.
Revenue: $12.83 billion vs. $12.94 billion expected.
Year-over-Year Revenue Decline: 1%, with a net loss of $1.61 billion compared to a net income of $1.48 billion in the previous year.

Operational Decisions:

AI Chips: Accelerated production of AI-capable Core Ultra PC chips.
Manufacturing Shift: Moving Intel 4 and 3 chip wafers from Oregon to Ireland to improve future gross margins.
Competitive Pricing: Facing stiff competition from AMD and Qualcomm.

Business Unit Performance:

Client Computing Group: $7.41 billion in revenue, up 9%.
Data Center and AI Unit: $3.05 billion in revenue, down 3%.

Outlook:

Q3 Forecast: Adjusted net loss of 3 cents per share on $12.5 billion to $13.5 billion in revenue.
Future Growth: Expected growth in data center revenue in the second half of the fiscal year.

Strategic Investments and Developments:

Apollo Investment: $11 billion in a joint venture for a chip manufacturing plant in Ireland.
New Products: Introduction of Xeon 6 server processors and Gaudi 3 AI accelerator.
Export Licenses: Revocation by the U.S. Commerce Department affecting a customer in China, likely Huawei.

Cost Structure and Future Plans:

Cost Reduction: Targeting around $20 billion in cuts this year, $17.5 billion in 2025, and more in 2026.
Product Development: Relying on TSMC for AI-compatible Lunar Lake PC chips, with plans to launch next-generation Panther Lake chips from its own manufacturing pipeline by 2026.

In conclusion, Intel is undertaking substantial measures to realign its operations and financial structure amid disappointing financial results and intense market competition. The company's strategies include significant workforce reductions, suspension of dividends, and a notable decrease in capital expenditures.

Despite these challenges, Intel is focusing on advancing its AI chip capabilities and optimizing its manufacturing processes to regain competitive ground. While the near-term outlook is challenging, Intel's long-term plans aim to leverage new product developments and strategic investments to drive future growth and profitability.