Intel Stock Faces a Crucial Earnings Test Today. Here's What You Need To Know

Core Viewpoint - Intel's stock has surged over 80% for 2025, driven by recent high-profile deals and a government investment, but there are concerns about whether this rally is sustainable as the company prepares to report its third-quarter earnings [1][2][4]. Financial Performance Expectations - Analysts expect Intel to report a slight profit of 2 cents per share, a turnaround from losses in the previous quarters, with projected revenue of $13.17 billion, reflecting a less than 1% decline year-over-year [5][9]. Market Sentiment and Analyst Ratings - Despite the stock's recent gains, many analysts maintain neutral ratings, awaiting more evidence of customer commitments to Intel's manufacturing business, particularly following reports of a potential new AI customer, Microsoft [6][4]. Volatility and Investor Expectations - The rapid rise in Intel's stock price has raised concerns about potential volatility, with options pricing indicating traders expect swings of up to 10% in either direction following the earnings report [3][4]. Recent Developments - The stock's rally began in August after the federal government acquired a 10% stake in Intel, followed by a partnership with Nvidia, which has fueled optimism about future deals [2][6].