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Intel Q3 Preview: Can Shares Rebound?

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The Zacks Computer and Technology sector has tumbled in 2022 amid a hawkish pivot from the Fed, down more than 30% and widely underperforming the S&P 500.

A commonly recognized name in the sector, Intel Corp. (INTC - Free Report) , is on deck to unveil quarterly results on October 27th after the market close.

Intel is the world’s largest semiconductor company and primary supplier of microprocessors and chipsets. Gradually, the company has reduced its reliance on the PC-centric business by moving into data-centric businesses.

Currently, the company carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) with an overall VGM Score of a D.

How does everything shape up heading into the print? Let’s take a closer look.

Share Performance & Valuation

Intel shares have sailed through choppy waters in 2022, down above 45% and coming nowhere near the S&P 500’s performance.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Over the last three months, sellers have maintained a tight grip, with Intel shares down just above 30%.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The company’s valuation multiples have pulled back amid the stretch of poor price action; its 12.5X forward earnings multiple reflects a 43% discount relative to its Zacks Computer and Technology sector average and is off 2021 highs of 14.8X.

Still, it’s worth noting that the value is above its five-year median of 12.1X.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Quarterly Estimates

Analysts have been bearish for the quarter to be reported over the last several months, with five negative earnings estimate revisions hitting the tape. The Zacks Consensus EPS Estimate of $0.34 suggests a Y/Y earnings decline of roughly 80%.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Intel’s top-line is also undergoing some turbulence; the Zacks Consensus Sales Estimate of $15.5 billion indicates a 19% decline from year-ago quarterly revenue of $19.2 billion.

Quarterly Performance & Market Reactions

Intel has consistently exceeded earnings estimates, exceeding the Zacks Consensus EPS Estimate in nine of its last ten quarters.

However, its one bottom-line miss came in its latest report, when the chip giant fell short of EPS expectations by nearly 58%.

Revenue results paint precisely the same story; INTC fell short of sales expectations by 14% in its latest print, the company’s first miss out of its last ten. Below is a chart illustrating the company’s revenue o a quarterly basis.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

In addition, it’s worth highlighting that the market hasn’t liked what it’s seen from the company; shares have moved downwards following each of its last six quarterly prints.

Putting Everything Together

Intel shares have struggled to find their footing in 2022, underperforming the general market across several timeframes.

The company’s forward earnings multiple sits above its five-year median but nicely below 2021 highs.

Analysts have been bearish in their earnings outlook, and estimates suggest Y/Y declines in earnings and revenue.

The company has a history of posting strong results, but its latest quarter broke a long streak of exceeding estimates.  

Heading into the release, Intel (INTC - Free Report) carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) with an Earnings ESP Score of -2%. 


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