Intel shares have been in a reverse loop lately but could offer an attractive buy opportunity for investors, according to Barron’s. Investors have seen the stock weakening lately, dropping 15% this year, compared to a 44% surge last year when its PC sales outperformed low estimates.
Many catalysts going forward
Barron’s noted that Wall Street was quick to slash estimates. Analysts surveyed by FactSet now expect Intel to earn $2.16 per share this year for a multiple of 14.1 times on revenue of $55.8 billion. Last week the consensus estimate forecast earnings of $2.38 per share on revenue of $58.2 billion.
Intel chips could see a rise in demand following the launch of Microsoft’s new Windows 10 platform. Intel’s advanced technology can open a significant revenue stream for the company even after its late entry in the mobile segment, says a report from Bidness Etc.
According to Barron’s, “Over the next five years, the Street sees profit growth averaging 9% annually, compared to the 2.2% delivered over the past five years.”
Intel abandons its unrealistic PC revenue estimates
Recently the chip maker lowered its PC sales estimate by around $1 billion for the first quarter. This could mean that Intel is not resting its hope on unrealistic revenues from PC sales. On the other hand, the chip maker will be able to focus on other segments such as mobile chips that can work as a growth driver for its stock. Intel earns major revenue from its PC chip industry, in which it is a dominant force.
The PC market is going through tough times as more and more users shift to smartphones and the tablets backed by ever-changing technology. According to the International Data Corporation, a drop of 4.9% in PC sales is expected for 2015.
Following the lower estimates from Intel, Canaccord Genuity analyst Matt Ramsay assigned a Buy rating to the stock from Hold along with a price target of $38. Ramsay noted that lagging sales estimates are not in favor of the company, but the abandoning of unlikely PC expectations is positive for Intel shares.
On Friday, Intel closed up 0.42% at $30.93.
