Key Takeaways
- Intel’s Q1 2026 earnings release is scheduled for after-hours trading on Thursday, April 23
- Wall Street projects $0.02 earnings per share, representing a roughly 90% increase from the prior-year quarter, alongside $12.42 billion in revenue
- INTC shares have climbed more than 78% since January, reaching $70.32, the highest level in 25 years
- Stifel Nicolaus updated its price objective from $42 to $65 while keeping a Hold recommendation
- The options market suggests traders anticipate approximately 10% volatility following the earnings announcement
Intel Corporation will unveil its Q1 2026 financial performance following Thursday’s market close on April 23. The semiconductor giant has experienced a remarkable rally throughout 2026, with shares climbing over 78% year-to-date and hitting $70.32, a price level unseen in a quarter century.
Analyst consensus points to earnings of $0.02 per share for the first quarter, marking an approximately 90% surge compared to Q1 2025. Revenue projections stand at $12.42 billion, representing a 2.2% decline from the year-ago period.
During the previous quarterly report in January, Intel surpassed expectations by delivering $0.15 per share versus the anticipated $0.08. The company also exceeded revenue estimates, posting $13.67 billion against the $13.37 billion consensus.
Market participants will be looking for commentary on Intel’s 18A manufacturing technology and the company’s participation in Elon Musk’s Terafab AI chip initiative. Developments related to operational efficiency improvements and artificial intelligence chip strategy will command significant attention.
RBC Capital’s Srini Pajjuri maintained a Neutral stance with a $48 price objective. His analysis suggests a modest earnings beat driven by healthy server CPU sales, though he identified wafer supply limitations as a possible headwind.
Pajjuri observed that Intel’s present market valuation already incorporates substantial expectations surrounding its foundry operations and Terafab involvement. He emphasized that meaningful revenue contributions from the 14A process and advanced packaging capabilities may require additional time to materialize.
Raymond James’s Simon Leopold reaffirmed a Market Perform rating while increasing his financial estimates. His revision followed Intel’s acquisition of the remaining ownership in Fab 34 and shifting product dynamics revealed through Asia-based supply chain intelligence.
These supply chain assessments indicated softening PC market conditions, though expanding data center and artificial intelligence momentum provides a counterbalance. Leopold highlighted possible upside opportunities stemming from partnerships with Elon Musk’s ventures.
Wall Street Price Objectives
Stifel Nicolaus increased its price target to $65 from $42, maintaining a Hold rating. This target represents roughly 5% downside from present trading levels.
Susquehanna elevated its objective from $45 to $65 alongside a Neutral rating. Melius Research established a $75 target. Tigress Financial continues with a Buy rating and a $66 price objective.
The aggregate Wall Street rating stands at Hold, derived from six Buy recommendations, 27 Hold ratings, and six Sell calls. The mean price target registers at $52.51, substantially below current market pricing.
Options Activity Signals Major Post-Earnings Movement
Intel began Monday’s session at $68.50, trading within a 52-week range spanning $18.25 to $70.32. The company’s market capitalization stands at $342.16 billion.
Regarding insider transactions, EVP Boise April Miller divested 20,000 Intel shares in early February at $49.05 per share. EVP David Zinsner acquired 5,882 shares in late January at $42.50 each.
For the complete fiscal year, Wall Street analysts currently forecast a loss of $0.11 per share for Intel.
