New York, Jan 22, 2026, 09:41 EST — Regular session
- Intel shares slipped about 2% in early trading, after closing Wednesday at $54.25.
- Following a sharp rally, attention shifts to the report due after the bell, as expectations have risen.
- Investors are zeroing in on Intel’s outlook for data-center demand and updates on its contract chipmaking progress.
Intel’s shares slipped in early Thursday trading, giving back some of the previous day’s gains ahead of the earnings report. By 9:38 a.m. ET, the stock was down 1.9%, sitting at $53.21, after closing Wednesday at $54.25. 1
The coming hours are critical with Intel’s rally reshaping expectations. Traders are watching to see if the chipmaker can drive demand for its core server and PC chips and fix manufacturing execution problems.
Intel soared 11.7% on Wednesday, finishing at $54.25 — its highest close since January 2022 — and has climbed 47% year to date, MarketWatch reported. After a rally like this, caution seems almost old-fashioned. 2
Analysts are spotting a surge in demand for Intel’s server CPUs, the key processors behind data centers, fueled by strong AI spending. HSBC, KeyBanc, and Wedbush have all bumped up their chances that Intel’s next earnings or forecasts will top expectations, per 7 .
Derivatives traders are bracing for a big move. Options pricing suggests an earnings swing near 8.8%, indicating how volatile the stock could be after the report, a Motley Fool piece highlighted on Nasdaq.com notes. 3
CEO Lip-Bu Tan has leaned on major outside investments to drive Intel’s manufacturing and AI plans, including $5 billion from Nvidia and $2 billion from SoftBank, Reuters reports. “It’s the most optimistic … people have felt about the company in a long time,” said Ryuta Makino of Gabelli Funds. According to LSEG data, analysts predict Intel’s data-center sales will surge over 30% to $4.43 billion in the December quarter. Yet Intel still sheds PC market share to AMD and Arm, while weak manufacturing yields—the share of usable chips per wafer—continue to squeeze margins, Reuters adds. 4
Not everyone on Wall Street is convinced. Susquehanna’s Christopher Rolland raised his price target to $45 from $40 but stuck with a neutral rating, Barron’s reported. His biggest concern remains the foundry business, where Intel manufactures chips for other firms—an area still fraught with uncertainty. 5
Intel said it will report fourth-quarter earnings after markets close Thursday, followed by a conference call at 2 p.m. Pacific. The spotlight will be on data-center demand, details about the “Panther Lake” PC rollout, and Intel’s ability to win new business for its foundry and advanced packaging units. 6
