Intel signals cautious outlook

(By Anthony Miller) Though Intel’s 3Q08 results were the best on record (click here for the numbers), CEO Paul Otellini reflected on the uncertain market conditions, advising, “as we look to Q4, it is hard to know what impact the financial crisis will have on end customer demand”. Actually, I don’t think this is such a tough call! I’d expect many will still want to buy their Xmas ‘toys’ as their last big treat anticipating a very tough 2009. After that, it’ll be ‘batten down the hatches’ for all. Anyway, Otellini hedged his bets on Q4 outlook, giving revenue guidance from a little down sequentially to about 7% higher. But just in case, Intel will issue a mid-quarter trading update. As I look at early trading in Mumbai, most of the Indian Sis are down a few percent, I assume investors taking little heart from these results.