Intel Forecasts Fourth-Quarter Adjusted Earnings of 25 Cents a Share and Revenue Below Analysts’ Estimates

Key Facts

Intel reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of $16.5 billion and non-GAAP earnings of $0.52 a share, then forecast fourth-quarter non-GAAP diluted earnings of 25 cents a share. Analysts expected earnings of 45 cents a share and revenue of $17.29 billion in the fourth quarter, according to estimates cited by The Wall Street Journal. The company’s GAAP earnings guidance is 10 cents a share, distinguishing the two figures it provided under the different accounting measures. The forecast puts earnings per share below analysts’ estimate and points to expected revenue below the level they anticipated. The chief financial officer said the slowdown in the PC market could continue at least through the first half of next year.

Third-quarter results came in above the market estimates cited for revenue and earnings. Revenue was $16.5 billion, compared with a consensus estimate of $16.48 billion, according to data cited by Investing.com. Non-GAAP earnings were about $0.52 a share, above analysts’ estimate of $0.40, the same source said. The comparison highlights the difference between the completed quarter’s performance and the outlook for the following period: quarterly results exceeded estimates, while fourth-quarter guidance came in below analysts’ expectations. The figures mark a shift from reported results to the company’s forecast for the coming period.

Second-quarter data showed a mixed picture across Intel’s businesses. Total revenue was $16.1 billion, up 25% year over year, according to the company’s filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Revenue at the Data Center and AI group rose 59% to $6.3 billion. At the Client Computing and Physical AI group, revenue increased 13% to $8.9 billion. This shows that the data-center-related group grew faster than the client-computing group in the second quarter. The CFO’s warning that the PC market slowdown could continue extends its potential impact through the first half of next year.

Intel shares rose during trading sessions recorded between Oct. 22 and 28, before the Oct. 29 session brought sharp pressure after the results were announced. The stock closed at $85.49 on Oct. 22, then $86.96 on Oct. 23, $90.47 on Oct. 26, $93.74 on Oct. 27 and $95.53 on Oct. 28, according to EL7 data. CNBC reported that the stock fell about 20% after the results on Oct. 29. Investing.com data showed it closed at $92.07 that day, then traded at $77.33 after the close, down 16.01% in extended trading from the closing price. The prices cited reflect different measurement times—at the session close and in extended trading—while the decline followed the release of third-quarter results and fourth-quarter guidance.