Fitch Ratings lowered Intel's long-term debt rating from BBB+ to BBB, placing the semiconductor company just two levels above junk status. The credit agency assigned a negative outlook, signaling potential future downgrades. Moody's and S&P Global implemented similar reductions during 2024. BBB represents the final tier of investment-grade ratings according to Fitch's classification system. The agency maintained Intel's F2 short-term debt rating.
Intel faces mounting financial pressures as EBITDA leverage reached 5.0x at year-end 2024. The company projects improvements to 4.0x in 2025 and 2.5x by 2027 through aggressive cost reductions. Operating expenses will decrease from $19.4 billion in 2024 to $17 billion in 2025 and $16 billion in 2026. CEO Lip-Bu Tan leads turnaround efforts focusing on advanced manufacturing processes and x86 ecosystem revitalization. Intel continues workforce reductions of 15 percent while closing facilities in Germany and Poland.
Intel faces mounting financial pressures as EBITDA leverage reached 5.0x at year-end 2024. The company projects improvements to 4.0x in 2025 and 2.5x by 2027 through aggressive cost reductions. Operating expenses will decrease from $19.4 billion in 2024 to $17 billion in 2025 and $16 billion in 2026. CEO Lip-Bu Tan leads turnaround efforts focusing on advanced manufacturing processes and x86 ecosystem revitalization. Intel continues workforce reductions of 15 percent while closing facilities in Germany and Poland.
