Key Takeaways
- Intel’s Q1 2026 financial results will be released after trading hours on Thursday, April 23
- Wall Street projections point to earnings per share of $0.02, representing approximately 90% growth year-over-year, alongside revenue of $12.42 billion
- Shares have surged more than 78% since the start of the year, reaching $70.32—a peak not seen in 25 years
- Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price from $42 to $65 while keeping their Hold recommendation
- The options market suggests investors are bracing for a potential swing of roughly 10% following the earnings announcement
Intel is scheduled to unveil its first-quarter 2026 financial performance following Thursday’s market close on April 23. The chipmaker has experienced an impressive rally in 2025, with shares climbing over 78% year-to-date and recently hitting $70.32—the highest level in a quarter-century.
Analysts are anticipating earnings of $0.02 per share for the quarter, marking an approximately 90% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025. Revenue projections stand at $12.42 billion, representing a modest 2.2% decline from last year’s first quarter.
During the previous earnings cycle in January, Intel exceeded analyst expectations by posting earnings per share of $0.15 versus the anticipated $0.08. The company also delivered revenue of $13.67 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $13.37 billion.
Market watchers will be paying close attention to developments regarding Intel’s advanced 18A chip manufacturing technology and the company’s participation in Elon Musk’s ambitious Terafab artificial intelligence chip initiative. Additional areas of interest include the company’s cost reduction efforts and its evolving AI processor strategy.
RBC Capital’s Srini Pajjuri maintained his Neutral stance with a $48 price objective. The analyst anticipates a slight earnings beat driven by healthy demand for server processors, though he highlighted wafer supply limitations as a possible headwind.
Pajjuri further observed that Intel’s present market valuation already incorporates substantial expectations regarding its foundry operations and the Terafab collaboration. He warned that meaningful revenue contributions from the 14A process node and advanced packaging capabilities may require additional time to materialize.
Raymond James’s Simon Leopold reaffirmed his Market Perform rating after revising his financial models upward. He pointed to Intel’s acquisition of the remaining ownership in Fab 34 and changes in product composition based on intelligence gathered from Asian supply chains.
This supply chain analysis indicated softer personal computer demand, though strengthening data center and artificial intelligence momentum is helping to balance the equation. Leopold also mentioned potential benefits from partnerships connected to Elon Musk’s various enterprises.
Wall Street Price Objectives
Stifel Nicolaus upgraded their price objective from $42 to $65 while maintaining their Hold stance. This revised target still suggests roughly 5% potential downside from present trading levels.
Susquehanna boosted their target from $45 to $65 alongside a Neutral rating. Melius Research established a $75 price objective. Tigress Financial continues to rate the stock as a Buy with a $66 target.
The overall Wall Street consensus remains at Hold, derived from six Buy ratings, 27 Hold ratings, and six Sell ratings. The mean price target across analysts stands at $52.51, significantly beneath the stock’s current trading price.
Options Activity Suggests Significant Volatility Expected
Intel commenced trading Monday at $68.50, operating within a 52-week price range spanning $18.25 to $70.32. The semiconductor giant currently commands a market capitalization of $342.16 billion.
Regarding insider transactions, Executive Vice President April Miller Boise divested 20,000 Intel shares in early February at a price of $49.05 per share. EVP David Zinsner acquired 5,882 shares in late January at $42.50 apiece.
Looking at full-year projections, Wall Street analysts are currently forecasting a loss of $0.11 per share for Intel’s complete fiscal year.
