Intel foundry push faces critical test after stock's 45% plunge in October

Intel's foundry ambitions face a pivotal test after the stock's 45% October plunge, with the company's turnaround now resting on its ability to prove the contract-chipmaking strategy can deliver. Customers are watching for concrete signs that Intel will add fab capacity and close the technology gap with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the foundry market leader. The selloff has raised the stakes for Intel, which needs external foundry customers to validate the billions it is investing in domestic chip manufacturing. Key catalysts to watch include new customer commitments, fab expansion announcements, and progress on process-node milestones that would demonstrate Intel can compete with TSMC on yield and scale.