Intel Reports Earnings on January 22. Here Is Where Options Data Says INTC Stock Could Be Trading Next.

Core Viewpoint - Intel's stock has seen significant gains leading up to its earnings release, with expectations for further increases by 2026 according to Citi analyst Atif Malik [1][2]. Group 1: Earnings and Stock Performance - Intel is projected to lose $0.02 per share in fiscal Q4, which is consistent with the same quarter last year [1]. - The stock has increased over 160% from its 52-week low, prompting Malik to upgrade his rating to "Neutral" [2]. Group 2: Long-term Outlook and Market Position - Malik emphasizes the importance of focusing on Intel's long-term potential rather than short-term earnings fluctuations [3]. - A capacity crunch at Taiwan Semiconductor could present a unique opportunity for Intel to attract major foundry customers, alleviating some of the stock's overhang [4]. Group 3: Options Data and Market Sentiment - Options data indicates a bullish sentiment for Intel shares, with upper price targets around $56 for mid-April [5]. - The implied move for the stock is 7.73%, suggesting it could exceed $50 shortly after January 23 [5]. Group 4: Seasonal Trends and Analyst Recommendations - Historically, Intel has gained over 2% in February, which supports a positive outlook ahead of its Q4 earnings [6]. - Wall Street maintains a generally positive stance on Intel, with a consensus rating of "Hold" and price targets reaching as high as $60, indicating a potential upside of approximately 30% [8].