How to Buy Intel (INTC) Stock

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Contributor, Benzinga
August 13, 2024

Intel Corporation has been a major innovator and driver of the latest information technologies since the late 1960s. The company has evolved to become the world’s largest manufacturer of integrated circuits, motherboard chipsets and network interface controllers. Intel supplies processors to computer manufacturers such as HP, Dell and Lenovo, to name only a few. As a tech stock, Intel is a cyclical stock that typically experiences more price volatility than stocks in other economic sectors. The semiconductor industry can be quite volatile due to intense demand, but semiconductor stocks are often some of the best investments you can make.

All About Intel: Company and Stock History

Intel, founded in 1968, emerged as a pioneer in the tech sector, revolutionizing computing with its microprocessors. As a key player in the digital age, Intel's innovations in chip manufacturing set industry standards, fueling the growth of personal computers and countless devices. Over the years, the company's market capitalization has fluctuated, reflecting its vital but competitive role in the tech landscape.

However, recent stock performance challenges have surfaced, including a significant revenue decline in 2023, which has raised concerns about Intel's competitive positioning against rivals like AMD and NVIDIA. These challenges have also impacted shareholders, as voting rights and stock history are closely tied to the company's strategic decisions during turbulent times. As Intel navigates its future, analysts and investors remain hopeful that its legacy as a tech innovator will guide it back to growth, despite current obstacles in maintaining its previously robust market presence.

Future Outlook for Intel

The future outlook for Intel is challenging following recent financial setbacks, including a significant drop in share price and a revenue shortfall. In Q2 2023, Intel reported losses that led to a notable decline in its stock value, reflecting ongoing difficulties, particularly in the North American market, where sales have been sluggish.

In response to these challenges, Intel has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 15,000 employees as part of its cost-cutting measures. This reduction aims to streamline operations and enhance profitability amid increasing competition.

To address these market challenges, Intel's growth strategy is crucial. Historically, the company has shown resilience and innovation, and its ability to adapt will be vital for potential recovery. Intel is focusing on expanding into new technologies and markets, including artificial intelligence and data centers, which may provide pathways for regaining lost ground. However, the path forward remains uncertain, and stakeholders will be closely watching how Intel navigates its current circumstances and works to reclaim its position as a leader in the semiconductor industry.

How to Buy Intel Stock

Intel stock can be bought through any reputable stockbroker with access to trade stocks on the Nasdaq (NASDAQ) exchange. If you plan to buy Intel stock for the long-term with a goal of capital appreciation and dividend income, then you might want to open an account with a discount broker. You’d save on commissions when you pick a discount broker, but you probably wouldn’t get access to extras like research that you might get from a full-service broker.  

Brokers with an online presence offer different services and fees. For example, some brokers charge customers an inactivity fee for idle accounts, while financial platforms such as Webull offer stock brokerage free of charge. This is why you want to research the share price you plan to pay, especially if you plan to trade as an income investor. Keep in mind that how you buy Intel stock is just as important as the broker you choose, so make sure you pick the right broker for your situation.

Step 1: Pick a Broker

Know your needs: Some brokers offer advanced trading platforms, access to international markets and other tradable assets. Other brokers provide educational material for clients with limited experience. Certain brokers might be able to fill your needs better than others, so determine what your needs are before you choose.

Step 2: Open a Demo Account

Many online stock brokers offer a risk-free virtual or demo account so you can trade with virtual money, which provides a great way to assess a broker’s trading platform and execution services. Opening several of these accounts with different brokers will give you insight into their services and help you in your selection.

Step 3: Fund an Account

Once you’ve picked a broker and have had the chance to assess its platform, you can now fund your account to make your Intel stock purchase. Methods you can use to fund an account can vary from broker to broker, so make sure you meet all of the requirements for funding an account with your chosen broker.

Step 4: Start Buying Intel Stock

Once you have opened a live account with a broker, it’s now time to buy your INTC stock. Ideally, you could watch Intel stock to determine an optimum buying price using technical analysis. Place an order at the price and for the amount of stock you wish to purchase.

Why You Might Want to Buy It

When considering this product, potential benefits become clear through its remarkable features, exceptional quality, and high customer satisfaction ratings. Its innovative design includes ergonomic elements and advanced technology that enhance usability, setting it apart from other options available. The commitment to quality ensures durability and reliability, providing peace of mind with every purchase.

Customer satisfaction ratings consistently reflect positive experiences, demonstrating that users appreciate the product's functionality and effectiveness. This strong approval indicates that it not only meets but often exceeds customer expectations.

These factors contribute significantly to its value proposition. With a blend of premium features and robust construction, this product offers substantial benefits that represent an excellent investment. When comparing the market, it outshines competitors, who may lack the same level of innovation or customer trust.

Leader in a Volatile Industry

Despite competition from other semiconductor manufacturers, Intel has the advantage of technical innovations, market share and customer base. If the assessment of some analysts is correct, then Intel stock at current price levels could be an excellent opportunity for investors. 

Historically Undervalued

Intel Corporation has often been considered undervalued compared make-up its competitors, specifically in terms of its price-to-earnings ratio. Other tech giants had higher P/E ratios due perceived growth potential, but Intel's valuation did not match its metrics and profitability. Analysts noted times when Intel's share price did not reflect its advancements and earnings potential, showing a gap between market perception and reality. This was due in part leadership changes, increased competition, and industry shifts overshadowing its strong fundamentals. Market sentiment and external factors have kept Intel's valuation lower than it should be, despite its capabilities and market position.

Considerations Before You Buy

To make a good purchase decision, consider your budget, product specs, seller reputation, research, and warranties. Set a clear budget to avoid overspending. Check product specs carefully to ensure it meets your needs. Research seller reputation through reviews and ratings. Compare options within your budget for the best fit. Understand warranties and return policies for peace of mind. By considering these factors, you can make a smart purchase.

Possible Future Stock Market and Economic Downturn

As it did during the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Intel could decline significantly during a market downturn.

Highly Competitive Environment

Intel’s chips compete with AMD’s. Also, Nvidia and Qualcomm are set to compete in the Adaptive Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) market, which is already dominated by Intel’s Mobileye. This could cost Intel even more of its market share in the industry.

Product Flaws

Customer satisfaction has been impacted by significant product flaws. Many customers reported durability issues, like parts failing after just a few months. Users also experienced performance problems such as inconsistent functionality and sluggish responses. These flaws decrease satisfaction and can lead to a loss of brand loyalty.

Is Intel Stock for You?

Intel stock presents a compelling investment option, prominently positioned in the tech sector, which is pivotal for driving innovation and growth. As a shareholder, investors can benefit from multiple avenues: capital appreciation, dividends, and participation in the potential upside of advanced technologies like AI and cloud computing. Historically, Intel has demonstrated resilience amid market volatility, making it an attractive choice for long-term investors.

To align Intel investments with individual financial goals and risk tolerance, monitoring stock positions is essential. Utilizing analytical tools assists investors in making informed decisions, analyzing trends, and assessing performance relative to broader market movements.

Moreover, news analysis plays a critical role in understanding price fluctuations and shaping investor sentiment. Keeping abreast of Intel's developments and macroeconomic factors can empower investors to anticipate market reactions and adjust their strategies accordingly. By embracing these strategies, investors can navigate the complexities of the stock market and make the most of their Intel stock investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Is Intel a good stock to buy now?

A

Intel may not be the best stock to buy currently due to recent struggles, competition, product delays, and volatility. Investors should carefully assess its future prospects before investing.

Q

Why is Intel stock falling?

A

Intel stock is falling due to increased competition, delays in chip releases, and a shifting market. Rival companies like AMD and Nvidia are gaining ground, and Intel’s delayed technology releases are causing concern.

Q

Does Intel pay dividends to shareholders?

A

Yes, Intel pays regular dividends and has a history of increasing payouts, making it appealing for investors seeking stable returns and income from their investments.

Jay and Julie Hawk

About Jay and Julie Hawk

About Julie: 

Julie Hawk earned her honors undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan before pursuing post-graduate scientific research at Cambridge University. She then started work in the private sector as a business systems analyst for a major investment bank, where she qualified as a Series 7 Registered Representative and received comprehensive training in various financial products. Further honing her skills, she attended the prestigious O’Connell and Piper options training course in Chicago, mastering professional option risk management techniques.

Julie then transitioned into the role of a professional Interbank forex trader, currency derivative risk manager and technical analyst, ascending to the position of vice president over a 12-year career in the financial markets. Julie’s illustrious banking career spanned working for major international banks in New York City, London, and San Francisco, where she served as an Interbank dealer, technical analyst, derivative specialist and risk manager. Her responsibilities included educating, devising customized foreign exchange hedging and risk-taking strategies, and overseeing large-scale transactions for esteemed banking clients, including corporations, fund managers and high-net-worth individuals. As part of her responsibilities, Julie managed substantial portfolios of forex options, spot, and futures positions as a currency options risk manager, earning recognition for executing innovative and highly profitable forex derivative transactions. Julie also spearheaded educational conferences on currency derivatives.

During her banking career, Julie attained world-class expertise in technical analysis, including Elliott Wave Theory, and pioneered research into automated trading and trading signal systems. An active member of the San Francisco Writers’ Guild, Julie also authored trade strategies, educational material, market commentary, newsletters, reports, articles, and press releases. She became a sought-after market expert who was frequently interviewed by financial magazines and news wires such as REUTERS.

Following her retirement from the banking sector, she dedicated 15 years to online forex trading, mentoring and freelance writing for TheFXperts, which she co-founded with her husband Jay. Julie is the co-author of “Forex Trading: A Beginner’s Guide” and “Technical Analysis for Financial Markets Traders,” in addition to five other books on financial markets trading and personal finance. She now focuses on writing articles on financial markets for platforms like Benzinga, although she continues to trade forex online and mentor fellow traders as part of TheFXperts’ financial team.


About Jay:

Jay Hawk grew up in Chicago and Mexico City where he became bilingual in English and Spanish. After taking formal training as a classical guitarist at prestigious music conservatories in Europe, Jay then embarked on a remarkable journey into the financial markets, cultivating his notable expertise through hands-on experience that began on the Midwest Stock Exchange.

His financial career progressed as he started actively participating in various exchange floor trading activities in the Chicago futures and options pits, where he worked his way up the ladder, serving as a clerk, trader, broker, investor and fund manager. Jay then ran a retail stock brokerage desk and managed funds for large institutional investors, leveraging his discretionary trading skills to yield profitable results for clients.

This ultimately led to Jay holding exchange seats and operating as a market maker on options exchanges in Chicago and San Francisco, initially on the Chicago Board Options Exchange. Jay also played a significant role in the Chicago Mercantile Exchange’s evolution, where he contributed to launching and actively trading the first listed currency futures options. After transitioning to the West Coast, Jay then held a seat and ventured into trading stock options and their underlying stocks on the Pacific Options Exchange.

Jay’s comprehensive understanding of fundamental economic and corporate analysis continues to inform his trading and investment activities and has led to his subsequent success as an expert financial writer. Together with his wife Julie, he co-authored “Stock Trading: A Beginner’s Guide”, “Commodity Trading: A Beginner’s Guide” and “Fundamental Analysis for Financial Markets Traders,” among their published books focusing on financial markets trading, market analysis, and personal finance. 

As an integral member of TheFXperts’ team, Jay now excels in trading forex online for his personal account, mentoring aspiring traders and writing for financial platforms like Benzinga where he specializes in covering topics related to the stock and commodity markets, as well as investing, trading and reviewing online brokers.