New York, Jan 29, 2026, 17:52 EST — After-hours
- Intel shares slipped modestly in after-hours trading following a choppy session marked by heavy volume.
- Chip stocks jumped Wednesday amid new evidence that AI data-center demand is broadening, though jitters hit big tech again on Thursday.
- Traders are closely eyeing Friday for fresh signals on supply, margins, and the upcoming chip earnings next week.
Intel’s shares slipped 0.2%, finishing at $48.66 in after-hours on Thursday, down 11 cents from Wednesday’s close. The stock ranged from $47.01 to $49.37, with trading volume exceeding 123 million shares.
The modest after-hours shift hides a more intense battle beneath the surface. Investors wrestle with whether the recent surge in AI data-center investment will boost the wider chip sector, even as Intel wrestles with ongoing execution and supply uncertainties.
Chipmakers found support on Wednesday after optimistic updates from Texas Instruments and ASML quelled worries that AI gains were limited to just one player. Louise Dudley, portfolio manager at Federated Hermes, noted that “conditions are improving,” highlighting a stronger tone throughout the supply chain. (Reuters)
The risk-on sentiment cooled sharply on Thursday. Microsoft dropped roughly 10% following its earnings report, as investors zeroed in on the pace of AI spending among top software players. “Microsoft disappointed and there are some genuine concerns that AI investments will eat the software companies’ lunches,” said John Praveen, managing director at Paleo Leon. (Reuters)
Intel’s story remains focused on supply issues and the hefty costs tied to its turnaround. In its Jan. 22 earnings report, the company projected first-quarter revenue between $11.7 billion and $12.7 billion, noting supply would hit its lowest point in Q1 before picking up in Q2 and afterward. CEO Lip-Bu Tan emphasized, “Our conviction in the essential role of CPUs in the AI era continues to grow,” while CFO David Zinsner highlighted ongoing “industry-wide supply shortages.” The filing also confirmed the completion of a $5 billion sale of Intel common stock to Nvidia. (Intel Corporation)
Server CPUs—the key processors powering data-center tasks—don’t grab headlines like Nvidia’s AI graphics chips do. Yet, they occupy the same racks and significantly impact Intel’s profits, provided the company can meet shipment targets. When supply falls short, sales slip, even if demand remains strong.
A Form 4 filing from Jan. 27 revealed that Zinsner purchased 5,882 Intel shares on Jan. 26 at $42.50 each, boosting his direct holdings to 247,392 shares. Insider buying is often seen as a sign of confidence, though it doesn’t affect immediate supply conditions. (SEC)
Heading into Friday, all eyes will be on whether Intel’s rebound can match the broader semiconductor sector, particularly as the market continues to penalize companies investing heavily in AI before seeing any returns.
Intel says it’s running its factories flat out but still can’t keep up with demand for server chips powering AI data centers. The company faces tough rivals like AMD and Arm-based designs. CEO Tan admitted they were “disappointed” by the near-term shortfall, while a portfolio manager described the situation as “supply-constrained rather than demand-constrained.” (Reuters)
The next major trigger for chip stocks arrives Feb. 3, when AMD releases its earnings after the market closes. Nvidia follows with its Q4 report on Feb. 25 — results that often move the entire sector, Intel among them. (AMD)
