What Analysts Think of Intel Stock Ahead of Earnings

Key Takeaways

Intel ( INTC ) is expected to report fourth-quarter results after the market closes Thursday, with analysts expecting the chipmaker to swing to a loss .

Of the 13 analysts covering the stock who are tracked by Visible Alpha, 12 have issued “hold” or equivalent ratings, with one giving the stock a “sell” rating . Their consensus price target of about $24 would suggest a 15% upside from Monday’s closing price of $20.29.

The chipmaker is expected to report fourth-quarter revenue of $13.8 billion, down 10% year-over-year, and a net loss of $710 million, or 14 cents per share, compared with earnings of $2.66 billion, or 63 cents per share , a year ago.

Analysts Speculate Broadcom Might Buy Intel

The results come as Intel has been the subject of recent takeover speculation , based on an anonymously sourced report from tech news site SemiAccurate earlier this month. Citi analysts said at the time they see Broadcom ( AVGO ) as “the most likely company” to be interested in buying Intel, adding that the rival chipmaker might sell Intel's struggling foundry business. Additionally, the fourth-quarter results will be the company's first since Intel Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pat Gelsinger stepped down last month.

Intel's market capitalization currently is more than $87 billion, but the stock has lost more than half its value over the past 12 months. Shares of the company finished off more than 2.5% in Monday trading.

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