Key TakeawaysIntel’s Q2 earnings release is scheduled for Thursday after market close, with Wall Street projecting earnings per share of $0.22 and revenue of $14.4 billion.Shares have surged approximately 178% since the start of the year, though they’ve retreated 5.1% below the record closing price of $140.94 reached on June 22.The chipmaker is implementing workforce reductions in its data-center division as part of operational efficiency initiatives.Market participants are seeking confirmation and specifics regarding a potential chip production agreement with Apple.Analysts forecast Intel’s Data Center and AI segment will generate $5.54 billion in quarterly revenue.Intel approaches Thursday’s quarterly report with substantial momentum — and equally substantial expectations.Shares have climbed roughly 178% year to date, driven by robust demand for its processors in agentic AI applications and a series of positive corporate developments. However, the stock has declined 5.1% from its record closing peak of $140.94 established on June 22, and appears headed for its weakest monthly performance since August 2024.Intel Corp., INTCWall Street consensus, compiled by FactSet, calls for Intel to deliver adjusted earnings of $0.22 per share on $14.4 billion in quarterly revenue. This would represent a significant improvement from the year-ago period’s loss of $0.10 per share and $12.9 billion in sales.Intel’s current market capitalization stands at approximately $515.77 billion.Apple Partnership Remains Key QuestionAmong the most anticipated topics for Thursday’s report is whether Intel will elaborate on its rumored manufacturing partnership with Apple.According to a May report from The Wall Street Journal, Apple and Intel reached a tentative agreement for Intel to produce chips used in Apple’s product lineup. Subsequently, in June, President Trump announced via social media that Apple had committed to collaborating with Intel on chip design and manufacturing within the United States.Market participants have been anticipating official acknowledgment and additional details directly from Intel management. Thursday’s earnings conference call represents the most immediate opportunity for such disclosure.Chief Executive Lip-Bu Tan has been championing a transformation narrative centered on strategic focus and operational excellence. During the April earnings call, he highlighted agentic AI as a crucial catalyst: “This shift is significantly increasing the need for Intel’s CPUs and wafer and advanced packaging offerings.”RBC Capital Markets analyst Srini Pajjuri reinforced this perspective Monday, noting that server CPU shipment volumes are projected to expand at double-digit rates throughout the year. He maintains a Sector Perform rating with an $80 price objective.Workforce Reductions UnderwayIntel confirmed earlier this week that it will reduce headcount within its data-center operations.A company representative informed Barron’s that these reductions align with broader efforts to “become a more focused and efficient company.” The exact number of positions being eliminated remains undisclosed.Interestingly, equity markets reacted favorably when the layoff plans initially emerged in July — suggesting investor approval of Tan’s efficiency-focused strategy.For the current quarter, Wall Street projects Intel’s Data Center and AI division will produce $5.54 billion in revenue, while the foundry operations are anticipated to contribute $5.48 billion.Intel additionally revealed in May its new status as an official McLaren partner, adding yet another newsworthy development to an already eventful year.Over the trailing twelve months, the stock has appreciated roughly 336.8%, based on BahaWealth data.The post Intel (INTC) Stock Earnings Preview: What to Expect Thursday After Market Close appeared first on Blockonomi.