:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-2235610710-741dd2e9efb8446db956e0d238520fb8.jpg "Intel Stock Faces a Crucial Earnings Test Today. Here’s What You Need To Know")
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Key Takeaways
- Intel is scheduled to report its quarterly results after the closing bell Thursday.
- Wall Street analysts see the struggling chipmaker swinging to a slight profit from a loss in the preceding and year-ago quarters.
Intel could face heightened expectations from investors when it reports third-quarter earnings after the bell, following a torrid rally in recent months on a flurry of high-profile deals.
Though the stock was little changed in early trading Thursday, it’s up over 80% for 2025, with most of the gains coming since August when the federal government took a 10% stake in the struggling chipmaker. A partnership with rival Nvidia (NVDA) followed last month, adding to optimism around the stock and fueling speculation more deals could be on the way.
However, the stock’s rapid rise has also stoked some worries it may have climbed too far, too fast, with pressure now on Intel (INTC) to defend its support with evidence it’s making progress toward a turnaround. That could set the stage for heightened volatility in the stock, with recent options pricing suggesting traders expect it could swing up to 10% in either direction after the results.
Why This Matters for Intel Investors
There are some concerns on Wall Street that the recent enthusiasm for Intel’s stock could be premature. Investors will likely be looking for signs in Thursday’s report that the chipmaker is making good on its newfound support.
Wall Street analysts surveyed by Visible Alpha expect the chipmaker to swing to a slight profit of 2 cents per share, from a loss in the preceding and year-ago quarters. Its revenue is projected to come in at $13.17 billion, which would represent a less than 1% decline from a year earlier.
However, most analysts aren’t convinced Intel’s stock is a “buy” yet, with those surveyed by Visible Alpha largely maintaining neutral ratings while waiting to see more customer commitments to Intel’s manufacturing business. Reports last week suggested Intel may have secured a major new AI customer; Microsoft (MSFT) was floated as a likely name. Announcing a new client along with the earnings could help win over analysts.
