Shares of Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) are sinking Monday ahead of earnings later this week, as investors are keenly focused on the company’s ability to leverage its recent launch of Core Series 3 processors aimed at enhancing ‘everyday AI’ and battery life.

This earnings call serves as a critical test of whether Intel can sustain its momentum after a remarkable 52-week high, with revenue expectations of $12.34 billion reflecting a decline from the previous year, raising questions about the sustainability of its recent rally.

Intel Q1 EPS Seen at -$0.04

The upcoming earnings date is pivotal for assessing Intel’s strategic pivot towards AI and battery efficiency. Investors will be scrutinizing the following metrics closely:

  • EPS Estimate: $-0.04 (Down from $0.13 YoY) – EPS expectations of $-0.04 indicate a significant downturn, challenging the narrative of growth amidst recent product launches.
  • Revenue Estimate: $12.34 billion (Down from $12.67 billion YoY) – Revenue of $12.34 billion would signal a potential setback in Intel’s recovery trajectory, raising concerns about its competitive positioning in the chip market.

Intel Beat EPS in 3 of 4 Quarters

The company has beat estimates in 3 of the last 4 quarters, with an average EPS surprise of +512.5%. In its most recent quarter on January 22, 2026, Intel delivered EPS of $0.15 against an estimate of $0.04, alongside revenue of $13.67 billion, exceeding expectations. However, the trend shows a decline in revenue estimates, with the most recent quarter reflecting a drop from $12.67 billion a year prior. Given the pattern of beats, investors should watch for any signs of resilience or further deterioration in revenue growth.

INTC Hold Rating; Target $49.54

Analyst Consensus & Recent Actions: The stock carries a Hold Rating with an average price target of $49.54. Notable recent moves include:

  • Stifel: Hold (Raised Target from $42.00 to $65.00) (April 20)
  • Bernstein: Market Perform (Raised Target from $36.00 to $60.00) (April 16)
  • Susquehanna: Neutral (Raised Target from $45.00 to $65.00) (April 14)
  • Benchmark: Buy (Raised Target from $57.00 to $76.00) (April 10)
  • Cantor Fitzgerald: Neutral (Raised Target from $45.00 to $60.00) (April 9)
  • Wells Fargo: Equal-Weight (Raised Target from $45.00 to $55.00) (April 7)
  • Keybanc: Overweight (Raised Target from $65.00 to $70.00) (April 6)

Intel AI Share and Core Series 3 Revenue

Today's pullback looks tied to risk-off positioning in tech as traders fade extended momentum setups into a busy earnings window. Intel's rally profile has been historically rare—monthly gains of 45% or more have occurred only five times since the company went public in 1972—keeping traders focused on whether this move is a chase or a mean-reversion setup.

Intel is also trying to broaden the AI narrative beyond data centers with its Thursday launch of Core Series 3 mobile processors, positioning upgrades around a typical five-year PC replacement cycle. The company said it expects more than 70 device designs through partners, with systems starting to arrive in April 2026, as it targets everyday users.

Shares Slip On Monday

INTC Stock Price Activity: Intel shares were down 3.04% at $66.42 at the time of publication on Monday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

Image: Shutterstock