Intel Shares Drop 4.25% Despite Launch of Panther Lake, Signaling Financial Outlook Trumps 18A Technical Success

Despite the high-profile launch of the new Core Ultra Series 3 “Panther Lake” processors, Intel stock fell 4.25% as investors focused on the company's weak financial outlook rather than its technical achievements.

• The new Panther Lake chips utilize the crucial 18A process node, incorporating RibbonFET and PowerVia technologies in an attempt to reclaim manufacturing leadership.
• Investor confidence remains low following the Q4 2025 earnings report and dire Q1 2026 guidance, which projected near-zero profit amid ongoing supply constraints.
• The stock closed at $46.59 on January 31.