Quick Overview
- Intel’s Q1 2026 financial results arrive after trading hours on Thursday, April 23
- Wall Street consensus points to $0.02 earnings per share, representing approximately 90% growth year-over-year, alongside revenue projections of $12.42 billion
- Shares have surged more than 78% in 2026, reaching a 25-year peak of $70.32
- Stifel Nicolaus upgraded its target price from $42 to $65 while keeping a Hold recommendation
- The options market suggests potential volatility of approximately 10% following the earnings announcement
The chipmaker is scheduled to unveil its first-quarter 2026 financial performance following Thursday’s market close on April 23. Shares have demonstrated remarkable strength throughout the year, climbing over 78% since January and achieving a quarter-century high at $70.32.
Analyst consensus calls for quarterly earnings of $0.02 per share in Q1, representing an approximate 90% increase compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Revenue projections stand at $12.42 billion, which would mark a 2.2% year-over-year decline.
During its most recent quarterly report released in January, Intel surpassed expectations by delivering EPS of $0.15 versus the anticipated $0.08. The company’s revenue reached $13.67 billion, exceeding the $13.37 billion Wall Street estimate.
Market participants are keenly awaiting commentary regarding Intel’s 18A manufacturing technology and the company’s participation in Elon Musk’s Terafab artificial intelligence chip initiative. Developments related to operational efficiency improvements and forthcoming AI processor strategies will command significant attention.
RBC Capital’s analyst Srini Pajjuri maintained a Neutral stance with a $48 price objective. His outlook anticipates a moderate earnings beat driven by robust server CPU sales, though he identified wafer supply limitations as a possible headwind.
Pajjuri further observed that Intel’s present market valuation incorporates substantial expectations surrounding its foundry operations and Terafab involvement. He warned that advancements in the 14A manufacturing process and sophisticated packaging technologies may require extended timeframes before contributing materially to top-line growth.
Raymond James analyst Simon Leopold reaffirmed a Market Perform position after revising his financial models upward. He referenced Intel’s repurchase of its remaining ownership interest in Fab 34 and evolving product composition based on intelligence gathered from Asian supply chain sources.
These supply chain assessments indicated softening personal computer demand, though accelerating data center and artificial intelligence momentum is providing a counterbalance. Leopold also identified possible additional gains from initiatives connected to Elon Musk’s ventures.
Wall Street Price Target Roundup
Stifel Nicolaus increased its price objective from $42 to $65 while maintaining a Hold recommendation. This target still suggests roughly 5% downside potential from present trading levels.
Susquehanna elevated its target from $45 to $65 with a Neutral rating. Melius Research established a $75 price objective. Tigress Financial retained a Buy rating with a $66 target.
The overall Street consensus stands at Hold, derived from six Buy ratings, 27 Hold recommendations, and six Sell calls. The mean price target rests at $52.51, significantly beneath current share prices.
Derivatives Market Anticipates Substantial Volatility
Intel commenced Monday’s session at $68.50, with a 52-week trading range spanning $18.25 to $70.32. The company’s market capitalization stands at $342.16 billion.
Regarding insider activity, EVP Boise April Miller disposed of 20,000 Intel shares in early February at $49.05 apiece. EVP David Zinsner acquired 5,882 shares during late January at $42.50 per share.
For the complete fiscal year, analysts presently forecast a loss of $0.11 per share for Intel.
