Intel cut its fourth-quarter revenue forecast by about 14 percent citing weak demand across the world and in all its products, indicating the economic crisis is set to hurt computer sales in the holiday season and beyond. The company said that it expected fourth-quarter revenue to be $9 billion, plus or minus $300 million, lower than the previous expectation of between $10.1 billion and $10.9 billion. Revenue is being affected by significantly weaker than expected demand in all geographies and market segments. In addition, the PC supply chain is aggressively reducing component inventories, Intel said.

The company's expectation for fourth-quarter gross margin is now 55 percent plus or minus a couple of points, lower than the previous expectation of 59 percent plus or minus a couple of points, primarily due to lower revenue and other charges associated with the weaker-than-expected demand environment. Spending (R&D plus MG&A) is expected to be approximately $2.8 billion in the fourth quarter, lower than the previous expectation of approximately $2.9 billion, primarily due to lower revenue- and profit-related spending. For the full year, spending is expected to be approximately $11.4 billion, lower than the previous expectation of approximately $11.5 billion.

All other expectations are unchanged, Intel added.

From the close of business on Nov. 28 until publication of the company's fourth quarter results on Jan. 15, 2009, Intel siad that it would observe a "Quiet Period" during which the Business Outlook disclosed in the company's press releases and filings with the SEC should be considered to be historical, speaking as of prior to the Quiet Period only and not subject to an update by the company.