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Is Intel's Time on the Dow Jones Industrial Average Coming to an End?

Intel Corporation, one of the world's most iconic semiconductor companies, has been experiencing significant challenges in recent years. Its struggles have not only impacted its stock price but have led many to wonder if it might soon be removed from the prestigious Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). In this blog, we'll explore Intel's current issues, look at the last time a company (Exxon Mobil) was removed from the DJIA and its aftermath, and assess the likelihood that Intel might face a similar fate.

Intel's Struggles and Stock Decline

1. Technological Delays and Execution Issues

Intel's fall from grace has been driven largely by its delays in developing next-generation semiconductor technology. While competitors like AMD and TSMC surged ahead with their 7nm and 5nm chip manufacturing processes, Intel struggled to transition from 14nm to 10nm. These delays have resulted in a loss of technological leadership and market share.

2. Growing Competitive Pressures

As Intel stumbled, its rivals seized the moment. AMD, with its Ryzen and EPYC processors, has not only gained ground in the consumer market but also in the high-margin data center space. TSMC, as the leading contract chip manufacturer, has formed crucial partnerships with tech giants like Apple, further eating into Intel's market share.

3. Market Confidence Dwindling

Intel’s stock performance has suffered as a result. Over the last five years, the stock has underperformed compared to both the broader market and its direct competitors. In contrast, companies like NVIDIA and AMD have seen their stock prices skyrocket, as the demand for chips in gaming, AI, and cloud computing grows.

4. Leadership Changes and Strategic Shifts

Intel has gone through significant leadership changes in an attempt to reverse its fortunes. The return of former CTO Pat Gelsinger as CEO was seen as a positive move, but the market remains skeptical about how quickly Intel can regain its technological edge. As the company tries to restructure, rebuild, and reenter the cutting edge of semiconductor manufacturing, stock prices have remained volatile.

A Look Back: Exxon Mobil's Removal from the DJIA

The most recent major removal from the DJIA was Exxon Mobil (XOM) in August 2020. After nearly a century on the index, Exxon was removed to make room for Salesforce (CRM), reflecting the growing importance of technology companies in the U.S. economy. Exxon’s removal came amid the energy sector's broader decline due to the rise of renewable energy and the oil price collapse during the pandemic.

What Happened to Exxon's Stock After Removal?

  • Initial Drop: Upon being removed from the DJIA, Exxon’s stock dropped by approximately 3%, largely due to index fund adjustments.
  • Recovery: Interestingly, Exxon’s stock price rebounded in the months following its removal, buoyed by a recovery in oil prices and better-than-expected earnings. In fact, Exxon’s removal was more a reflection of sectoral shifts than of a permanent decline in its business.
  • Long-Term Outlook: Despite the recovery, Exxon has struggled to regain the prominence it once held. Its removal from the DJIA underscored the declining relevance of fossil fuel companies in a market increasingly driven by technology.

What Does This Mean for Intel?

Exxon Mobil’s removal shows that being dropped from the DJIA is not necessarily a signal of the company's demise but a reflection of broader economic trends. In Intel’s case, it could reflect the diminishing influence of legacy tech firms in favor of faster-moving, more innovative companies like NVIDIA, AMD, and TSMC. However, unlike Exxon, Intel's recovery would depend on its ability to overcome specific operational and technological challenges.

Is Intel Next? Assessing the Probability

Factors Supporting Removal:

  1. Underperformance Relative to Peers:

    • Intel's stock price has consistently lagged behind competitors and the broader tech market. The DJIA aims to represent the leading companies in the U.S. economy, and Intel’s persistent underperformance makes it a potential candidate for removal.

  2. Technological and Market Shifts:

    • The tech industry has seen rapid innovation, especially in areas like AI, cloud computing, and graphics processing units (GPUs). Companies like NVIDIA and AMD have taken the lead in these fields, leaving Intel to play catch-up. The DJIA might replace Intel with a company better positioned for the future of technology.

  3. Outdated Business Model:

    • Intel’s reliance on its in-house manufacturing model (Integrated Device Manufacturer, or IDM) has hindered its ability to adapt. Most of its competitors have shifted to a fabless model, relying on third-party foundries like TSMC. This business model difference has slowed Intel’s ability to keep up with industry advancements.

What Could Delay or Prevent Removal?

  1. Strategic Turnarounds:

    • If Intel can execute a successful turnaround, led by CEO Pat Gelsinger, and demonstrate clear technological progress (such as with its planned transition to 7nm or even 5nm chips), it could stave off removal.

  2. Importance of Semiconductors in the U.S. Economy:

    • Semiconductors remain one of the most critical sectors globally, and Intel is still a significant player, particularly in the U.S. DJIA’s committee might hesitate to remove a company that has played such an important role in U.S. technological dominance, especially as global supply chain concerns elevate the importance of domestic chip production.

When Could This Happen?

Changes to the DJIA typically happen when the committee wants to better reflect the evolving nature of the economy. If Intel continues to struggle and cannot regain its competitive edge within the next 12-18 months, it could be a prime candidate for removal, especially as the market shifts further toward cloud computing, AI, and other tech sectors dominated by more innovative companies.

If Intel is removed, a likely replacement could come from the tech sector, such as NVIDIA or even a fast-rising software company. With its continued underperformance, Intel's time on the Dow may be running out.

Conclusion: Intel's Potential Path Forward

While Intel faces significant challenges, being removed from the DJIA, like Exxon Mobil, doesn’t necessarily spell doom for the company. However, it would signal a shift in its standing within the U.S. economy and could reflect a transition from being a technological leader to a follower. The next year will be critical for Intel to prove it can regain market leadership and avoid being relegated from the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Only time will tell if Intel can mount a comeback or if its decline will lead to its departure from one of the most prestigious indexes in the financial world.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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