Have you ever wondered what goes through the minds of Wall Street analysts when a tech giant like Intel is about to drop its earnings report? It’s like watching a chess game where every move is scrutinized, and the stakes are sky-high. With Intel’s first-quarter earnings set to hit after the market closes today, April 24, 2025, all eyes are on the chipmaker. This report isn’t just another number-crunching session—it’s the first under new CEO Lip-Bu Tan, and the market is buzzing with curiosity. Let’s dive into what analysts are saying, why they’re holding their breath, and what it all means for Intel’s stock.
Why Intel’s Earnings Matter Now
The semiconductor industry is a wild ride—think of it as the backbone of everything from your smartphone to the cloud. Intel, a titan in this space, has been navigating choppy waters lately, and this earnings report is a critical checkpoint. Lip-Bu Tan, who stepped into the CEO role in mid-March, is under the spotlight. His track record as a tech visionary is impressive, but can he steer Intel toward a comeback? Analysts are cautious, and for good reason: the company’s facing fierce competition, supply chain hurdles, and a looming cost-cutting plan that could shake things up.
Here’s the kicker: Intel’s stock has been a rollercoaster. It spiked when Tan’s appointment was announced, only to cool off soon after. This week, though, whispers of a major layoffs plan—potentially slashing over 20% of Intel’s workforce—sent shares climbing again. Investors love cost-cutting, but is it a sign of strength or a desperate move? Let’s unpack what the experts think.
Analysts’ Consensus: A Unified “Hold” Rating
If you’re looking for bold predictions, you might be disappointed. The 12 analysts tracked by Visible Alpha are playing it safe, unanimously slapping a “hold” rating on Intel’s stock. It’s not a vote of no confidence, but it’s far from a ringing endorsement. Their reasoning? Intel’s in a transitional phase, and while Tan’s leadership is promising, it’s too early to call it a game-changer.
Intel’s potential is undeniable, but the path forward is murky. Investors should wait for clearer signals.
– Semiconductor industry analyst
The consensus price target sits at just under $23, which implies about a 10% upside from Wednesday’s closing price. That’s not bad, but it’s not the kind of moonshot that gets traders buzzing. In my experience, when analysts all agree on “hold,” it often means they’re hedging their bets—waiting for a catalyst to tip the scales.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Revenue and Earnings Expectations
Let’s talk numbers, because that’s where the rubber meets the road. Analysts expect Intel to post first-quarter revenue of $12.34 billion, a 3% drop from last year. Adjusted net income is projected at a measly $41.6 million, or 1 cent per share, compared to $759 million, or 18 cents per share, a year ago. Ouch. These declines aren’t exactly screaming “buy now,” but they’re not catastrophic either.
- Revenue forecast: $12.34 billion, down 3% year-over-year.
- Adjusted net income: $41.6 million, a steep fall from $759 million.
- Earnings per share: 1 cent, compared to 18 cents last year.
Why the slump? It’s a mix of factors: softer demand for PCs, intense competition from rivals like AMD and Nvidia, and ongoing supply chain kinks. But here’s where it gets interesting: Intel’s pivot to new markets, like AI chips and foundry services, could be a wildcard. Analysts aren’t baking in big wins here yet, but they’re watching closely.
The Lip-Bu Tan Factor: Hope or Hype?
New CEOs always bring a spark of optimism, and Lip-Bu Tan is no exception. Known for his Midas touch in tech, Tan’s resume includes turning around struggling chip companies. But Intel’s a different beast—its scale and complexity make quick fixes tricky. Analysts are intrigued but skeptical, noting that Tan’s been on the job for less than a month during this quarter.
Personally, I think Tan’s appointment is a breath of fresh air. Intel’s been stuck in neutral, and his focus on cost efficiency and innovation could be just what the doctor ordered. That said, the layoffs rumor—while boosting the stock—raises questions. Is this a leaner, meaner Intel in the making, or a sign of deeper troubles?
A new CEO can set the tone, but transforming a giant like Intel takes time and execution.
– Financial market strategist
Stock Performance: A Tale of Ups and Downs
Intel’s stock is up over 6% year-to-date, which sounds decent until you zoom out. Over the past year, it’s lagged behind the broader market and its chipmaking peers. The stock surged when Tan was named CEO, only to lose steam as investors digested the challenges ahead. This week’s pop, tied to the layoffs report, shows how sensitive the market is to cost-cutting news.
| Metric | Current Status |
| Year-to-Date Performance | +6% |
| Consensus Price Target | $23 (10% upside) |
| Analyst Rating | Hold |
What’s driving the volatility? It’s a mix of macroeconomic headwinds, like inflation and interest rates, and company-specific issues, like margin pressure. Yet, there’s a silver lining: Intel’s push into AI-driven chips and its foundry ambitions could unlock new revenue streams. The question is, how soon?
What to Watch in the Earnings Report
Earnings reports are like report cards, and Intel’s got a lot to prove. Beyond the headline numbers, here are the key areas analysts are zeroing in on:
- Guidance: Will Intel’s forward-looking statements signal confidence or caution?
- Cost-cutting plans: Any confirmation of layoffs or restructuring could move the stock.
- AI and foundry progress: Updates on these growth areas could shift sentiment.
Here’s a thought: if Intel surprises with upbeat guidance or concrete progress in AI, we could see a breakout. But if the report leans conservative, don’t be shocked if the stock takes a breather. Either way, Tan’s commentary during the earnings call will be gold—his vision could sway even the most skeptical analysts.
Should You Buy, Hold, or Sell?
So, what’s the play? If you’re a long-term investor, Intel’s valuation looks tempting—it’s trading at a discount compared to peers. But the near-term risks—competition, margins, and execution—can’t be ignored. Analysts’ “hold” rating feels like a safe bet for now, but I’m curious: are they underestimating Tan’s ability to pull a rabbit out of the hat?
For risk-takers, a small position before earnings could pay off if Intel delivers a surprise. For the cautious, waiting for the dust to settle post-earnings might be smarter. Whatever your style, keep an eye on the big picture: Intel’s still a cornerstone of tech, and its next moves could redefine its trajectory.
As Intel steps into this pivotal moment, the market’s watching with bated breath. Will Lip-Bu Tan’s first earnings report spark a rally, or will it confirm the skeptics’ doubts? One thing’s for sure: in the fast-moving world of tech, Intel’s story is far from over. What do you think—is this a buying opportunity or a wait-and-see moment? Let’s keep the conversation going.
