NEW YORK, July 21, 2026, 10:06 EDT
Intel Corporation NASDAQ:INTC surged 6.4% at the start of U.S. trading on Tuesday. Options activity pointed to a post-earnings move valued near $63 billion. Shares changed hands at $103.23 as of 9:51 a.m. EDT.
The anticipated movement closely aligns with the $64 billion gain Intel recorded after its report in April. Thursday serves as a test of both quarterly performance and the strength of its turnaround efforts.
Intel shares have surged by more than 160% this year. Prior to Tuesday, the stock had dropped by over 30% from its peak in June. Such sharp swings mean a standard forecast is unlikely.
| Company | Price | Tuesday move |
|---|---|---|
| Intel Corporation NASDAQ:INTC | $103.23 | up 6.4% |
| Advanced Micro Devices NASDAQ:AMD | $534.96 | up 6.2% |
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing NYSE:TSM | $417.57 | up 3.8% |
| Nvidia NASDAQ:NVDA | $206.43 | up 1.5% |
Latest traded prices as of about 9:51 a.m. EDT.
Intel took the lead, but gains were widespread. Wall Street started the session higher as chip stocks bounced back ahead of key technology earnings reports.
Intel is scheduled to announce its second-quarter earnings after markets close on Thursday. According to initial Visible Alpha projections, revenue is expected to reach $14.44 billion, representing a 12% improvement. Adjusted earnings per share are forecast at 22 cents.
Intel forecasted revenue in the range of $13.8 billion to $14.8 billion, with a projected adjusted earnings of 20 cents. The consensus sales forecast is marginally above the midpoint of this guidance.
Based on Tuesday’s market capitalization, the 12% movement in options amounts to 4.4 times what analysts forecast in quarterly revenue. The quarter represents just a portion of the wager.
Data Center and AI will be closely monitored by investors. The segment generated $5.1 billion in sales during the first quarter, representing a 22% increase. This accounted for approximately 38% of Intel’s total revenue.
Intel initiated fresh layoffs in its unit this week, without disclosing the number of employees affected, and stated that its product roadmaps will not be impacted. The reductions place additional focus on margins and delivery performance.
Chief financial officer David Zinsner stated in April that Intel was experiencing “unprecedented demand for silicon.” The firm also announced it was boosting supply to satisfy customer requirements. Intel Corporation
UBS increased its price target for Intel to $121 from $83. The bank’s analysts noted that investors will focus on manufacturing developments and the acquisition of new foundry clients.
Michael Schulman of Cerity Partners described the foundry transition as a “high-stakes gamble.” The results on Thursday could indicate if demand from external foundries is increasing. Reuters
Risks: Any supply constraints or negative updates from foundries could undo Tuesday’s gains. The share’s significant year-to-date advance heightens its exposure to new guidance.
Thursday’s update presents a challenge fit for April. The figures could meet expectations; convincing investors with the strategic plan will be key.
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