Quick Summary
- Intel’s Q1 2026 earnings announcement is scheduled for after the closing bell on Thursday, April 23
- Wall Street consensus calls for $0.02 earnings per share, representing approximately 90% growth year-over-year, alongside $12.42 billion in revenue
- Shares have surged more than 78% since the start of the year, reaching a peak of $70.32—the highest level in 25 years
- Stifel Nicolaus increased its target price to $65 from $42 while keeping a Hold rating
- Options market activity suggests traders are bracing for roughly a 10% swing in either direction following the earnings release
Intel is preparing to unveil its Q1 2026 financial results after Thursday’s market close on April 23. The chip giant has experienced a remarkable rally in 2025, with shares climbing over 78% year-to-date and briefly touching $70.32—a level not seen in a quarter century.
Analyst consensus points to earnings of $0.02 per share for the quarter, marking approximately 90% growth compared to the year-ago period. Revenue projections stand at $12.42 billion, representing a modest 2.2% decline from last year’s comparable quarter.
During the company’s previous quarterly report in January, Intel exceeded Wall Street expectations by delivering $0.15 per share versus the anticipated $0.08. Revenue totaled $13.67 billion, surpassing the $13.37 billion consensus estimate.
Market participants will be closely monitoring commentary regarding Intel’s 18A manufacturing technology and the company’s participation in Elon Musk’s ambitious Terafab AI chip initiative. Cost reduction efforts and upcoming AI semiconductor roadmaps are expected to feature prominently in management’s discussion.
RBC Capital’s Srini Pajjuri maintained his Neutral stance with a $48 price objective. While he anticipates a slight earnings beat driven by healthy server CPU sales, he highlighted wafer supply limitations as a headwind that could impact results.
Pajjuri further observed that Intel’s present market valuation appears to already incorporate substantial optimism regarding its foundry operations and the Terafab collaboration. He warned that tangible revenue contributions from the 14A process node and advanced packaging technologies may require additional time to materialize.
Raymond James’ Simon Leopold reaffirmed his Market Perform rating while adjusting his financial models upward. He pointed to Intel’s acquisition of the remaining ownership in Fab 34 and evolving product dynamics based on supply chain intelligence gathered across Asia.
Those regional assessments indicated softer PC market conditions, though robust data center and AI momentum is providing a counterbalance. Leopold also identified potential upside catalysts from initiatives connected to Elon Musk’s various enterprises.
Wall Street Price Target Landscape
Stifel Nicolaus upgraded its price objective to $65 from $42, though it retained a Hold recommendation. Even at that elevated target, the firm sees roughly 5% downside from current trading levels.
Susquehanna moved its target from $45 to $65 while maintaining a Neutral posture. Melius Research established a $75 price target. Tigress Financial continues to rate the stock as a Buy with a $66 objective.
The overall Wall Street sentiment remains at Hold, derived from six Buy ratings, 27 Hold ratings, and six Sell ratings. The average analyst price target of $52.51 sits notably below the stock’s current market price.
Options Activity Signals Volatility Ahead
Intel shares opened Monday’s session at $68.50, within a 52-week trading band spanning $18.25 to $70.32. The company’s market capitalization currently stands at $342.16 billion.
Regarding insider transactions, EVP April Miller Boise divested 20,000 shares in early February at $49.05 apiece. EVP David Zinsner purchased 5,882 shares in late January at $42.50 per share.
For the complete fiscal year, Wall Street analysts are currently projecting a net loss of $0.11 per share for Intel.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
