Intel (INTC.US) outperforms the US tech sector, its latest processors receive positive reviews.

Intel (INTC.US) rose 3.51% on Monday, outperforming the broader US stock market and the technology sector, as reviewers praised its latest processor, the Intel Core Ultra 9275HX. The company's Core Ultra 9275HX has topped the PassMark performance rankings, surpassing the AMD Ryzen 97945HX3D, according to the latest update of the benchmarking software, which is a computer hardware benchmarking software. Many reviewers, including PCWorld and Tom's Hardware, also mentioned the performance of the Intel Core Ultra 9275HX and its improvement in battery life for laptops.

Intel's fourth-quarter 2024 results, which were announced last month, exceeded market expectations, suggesting that the company's large-scale restructuring plan implemented in 2024 has achieved positive results. The company reported a 7% YoY decline in Q4 revenue to $14.26 billion, marking a third consecutive quarter of decline, but better than the market's expectation of $13.81 billion; a net loss of $130 million, compared to a net profit of $2.67 billion in the same period last year; and adjusted EPS of $0.13, better than the market's expectation of $0.12.

Despite the better-than-expected revenue and profit in the fourth quarter, Intel's guidance suggests that the company's future remains challenging. Intel expects its first-quarter 2025 revenue to be between $11.7 billion and $12.7 billion, with a midpoint below the market's expectation of $12.85 billion; and expects adjusted profit to reach breakeven, while the market expects EPS of $0.08.

Intel's weak guidance also prompted Wall Street analysts to remain cautious and wait for further signs of recovery. Intel will hold its Foundry Direct Connect event in San Jose, California on April 29 to share details of its foundry strategy, process technology, and advanced packaging and testing capabilities.

At the same time, investors and analysts are waiting for the appointment of Intel's new CEO, who will decide the company's future and face various options, including a spin-off. Earlier reports suggested that competitors were considering bidding for Intel's partial or full ownership.