Is Intel Stock a Buy Right Now?

For the last few years, companies across the technology sector have witnessed unparalleled gains thanks to the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. In particular, semiconductor stocks have experienced outsize gains thanks to the importance chips play in generative AI development.

Since ChatGPT was released commercially on Nov. 30, 2022, shares of Nvidia, Broadcom, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing have soared by 592%, 272%, and 110%, respectively. From a broader industry perspective, the VanEck Semiconductor ETF boasts a 93% total return over this same time period.

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While it's been hard to lose money investing in the semiconductor space over the last two-and-a-half years, there are some notable laggards. Investors in Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) know this all too well, experiencing a 32% decline since ChatGPT's inception jump-started the AI roller coaster.

With shares of Intel trading near their lowest level in 15 years, is now an opportunity to buy the dip?

Intel is wedged between a rock and a hard place

It's important to understand why certain semiconductor stocks have experienced generous gains while others have not. Nvidia, for example, specializes in designing graphics processing units (GPUs). GPUs are an important piece of hardware that are used to train AI models -- hence, Nvidia is playing an important role in how AI applications are created.

On the other hand, Broadcom's expertise surrounds equipping data centers with important pieces of network equipment as well as helping companies design their own custom chipsets. Lastly, Taiwan Semi brings the chips designed by Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices, Qualcomm, and many others to life through its market-leading foundry services.

While Intel is a fairly diversified operation, the foundry business in particular has been a source for concern over the last couple of years. In 2024, Intel's foundry segment generated $17.5 billion in revenue -- down 7% year over year. In addition, the company's foundry business posted an operating loss north of $13.4 billion last year -- nearly double the losses seen during the prior year.

During the first quarter of 2025, Intel generated $4.7 billion of revenue in the foundry segment. While this represented an encouraging 7% gain year over year, investors should be aware that management attributed some of this growth to revenue that was pulled in during the first quarter -- thereby guiding for some deceleration over the coming months.

While Intel clearly plays some role in chip development, the company continues to lose market share to Taiwan Semi and can't seem to operate its own foundry practice in a profitable way. Moreover, the growth trends from this segment are, at best, quite unpredictable.

Image source: Getty Images.

Is Intel stock a good buy right now?

While a plummeting stock price may tempt some investors to buy the dip, I think Intel's sell-off is warranted. Right now, Intel is in turnaround mode and it remains to be seen if new leadership has what it takes to right the ship.

INTC Revenue Estimates for Current Fiscal Year data by YCharts

Considering Wall Street estimates aren't calling for much in the way of revenue or earnings growth over the next couple of years, I'm hard-pressed to see a bullish narrative around Intel. Given the inconsistency of Intel's foundry business in the face of rising competition -- mainly from TSMC -- I see Intel as a speculative stock to own. For these reasons, I'd pass on buying the stock.

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Adam Spatacco has positions in Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Advanced Micro Devices, Intel, Nvidia, Qualcomm, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom and recommends the following options: short May 2025 $30 calls on Intel. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.