Since the start of 2025, Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) has been one of the best-performing big tech stocks on the market. The stock is up over 170% in that time (through Jan. 22), with a large chunk of that gain coming after mid-September. Like many tech companies, Intel can thank the current artificial intelligence (AI) supercycle for much of this turnaround. As the hardware side of AI becomes more vital with hyperscalers (companies like Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon) writing big checks, semiconductor companie ...

Core Insights - Intel's Q4 earnings report showed an EPS of 15 cents, beating expectations, and revenue of $13.67 billion, also above the estimate of $13.43 billion [1] - Data center and AI revenue for Q4 was $4.74 billion, surpassing the estimate of $4.42 billion, while client computing revenue was $8.19 billion, slightly below the estimate of $8.3 billion [1][2] - The Q1 revenue forecast is between $11.7 billion and $12.7 billion, with a midpoint of $12.56 billion, which is lower than analyst expectations [2][12] Financial Performance - The stock initially dropped about 5% after the earnings report due to weaker guidance, despite a strong performance leading up to the report, with a 40% increase year-to-date and 150% over the past 12 months [2][3] - Analysts noted that the positive sentiment prior to the report was driven by advancements in Intel's 18A manufacturing process and expectations for the foundry business [3][4] Market Outlook - There are concerns regarding PC shipments and the server market for the upcoming year, with analysts questioning the impact of low inventory levels and manufacturing yields on sales [4][6] - The CEO acknowledged that manufacturing yields are not meeting standards, which could limit supply despite strong demand [13][14] Product Development - The server market is showing strength, and there is a growing recognition of the importance of CPUs in AI computing, which could benefit Intel's future sales [8][9] - Initial reviews of Intel's Panther Lake systems were positive, indicating potential for growth in the AI PC segment [11][21] Customer Sentiment - Major PC vendors expressed confidence in Intel's products, suggesting a positive shift in customer perception compared to previous years [20][22] - The company is focused on improving execution and addressing manufacturing challenges to enhance its market position [18][19]

Intel's Panther Lake processors, made using its new 18A manufacturing process, could be a winner, Seaport says. ...

Core Viewpoint - Intel's stock has significantly outperformed the S&P 500, gaining approximately 26.27% year to date, driven by positive analyst upgrades and expectations for upcoming earnings [1]. Analyst Upgrades - Melius Research upgraded Intel to buy from hold with a price target of $50 on January 5 [1]. - KeyBanc upgraded Intel to overweight from sector weight with a price target of $60 on January 13 [1]. - Citi upgraded Intel from sell to neutral, raising the price target from $29 to $50, citing potential benefits from TSMC's advanced packaging supply [4]. - Jefferies maintained a hold rating but raised the price target from $40 to $45, anticipating a "relatively disappointing" full-year commentary [5]. - UBS reiterated a neutral rating and increased the price target from $40 to $49 [5]. - Barclays maintained an equal weight rating and raised the price target from $35 to $45 [5]. Earnings Expectations - Intel's Q4 earnings are set to be released on January 22, with several analysts updating their opinions ahead of this report [3]. - Bank of America expects in-line or better Q4 results, projecting sales of $13.4 billion and gross margins of 36.5% [6]. - Analysts believe that strong server sales will mitigate the impact of rising memory prices on PCs [6]. Foundry Developments - KeyBanc's analyst noted that Intel's foundry achieved yield rates exceeding 60% on its 18A manufacturing process, which is sufficient for ramping Panther Lake [2]. - Intel Foundry Services has reportedly secured Apple as a customer for low-end M-series processors, expected to enter production in 2027 [2]. Risks and Concerns - Analysts have highlighted potential downside risks, including lower yield rates at Intel Foundry for new manufacturing nodes [8]. - Concerns exist regarding a lack of significant external foundry customers and weaker trends in the mature PC market [9].

Core Insights - Intel's stock has increased by 15.5% year-to-date in 2026, following an over 80% gain in the previous year, indicating strong market momentum [1] - The surge in stock price is largely attributed to the excitement surrounding the new Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, which are built on the Intel 18A semiconductor foundry in the U.S. [1][2] Product and Technology - The Core Ultra Series 3 processors represent Intel's first AI personal computing platform utilizing the new U.S.-based Intel 18A process technology, which could significantly enhance Intel's market position in AI [2] - Intel claims that the Ultra Series 3 processors offer a competitive edge, delivering "up to 1.9x higher large language model (LLM) performance" and improved power efficiency [3] Market Demand and Sales - Pre-orders for the Core Ultra Series 3 processors began on January 6, 2026, with global availability set for January 27, 2026, although customer demand insights may take time to materialize [4] - Intel's fiscal third-quarter revenue rose by 3% to $13.7 billion, with CEO Lip-Bu Tan highlighting that AI is driving demand for compute across various product lines [8] Financial Performance - Intel reported earnings per share of 90 cents in the most recent quarter, a significant improvement from a loss of $3.88 in the same quarter last year, indicating a potential turnaround in profitability [10] - The company has a market capitalization exceeding $200 billion, despite ongoing challenges in achieving consistent profitability [9] Future Outlook - Intel's management anticipates that demand for its products will continue to outpace supply into 2026, suggesting a positive growth trajectory if the company maintains its current performance [10] - However, there are concerns that the stock may already reflect an anticipated turnaround, raising questions about future price appreciation given the uncertainties in the semiconductor industry [11]

Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) is one of the Best AI Stocks to Buy under $50. On December 29, Reuters reported that Nvidia has purchased Intel shares worth $5 billion, carrying out a transaction ‌announced in September. The AI chipmaker had announced back then that it would pay $23.28 per share for Intel ⁠common stock, buying over 214.7 million Intel shares at the price set out in the agreement, as per Monday's filing. The deal forms part of a broader strategic agreement to co-develop chips for data cent ...

Nvidia stock (NASDAQ: NVDA) tumbled nearly 1% on Wednesday after reports surfaced that the AI chipmaker has paused testing of Intel's ambitious 18A manufacturing process. The move marks a significant ... ...

Market Overview - Major U.S. stock indices finished higher, with the Dow Jones up nearly 0.4% at 47,474.46, S&P 500 gaining 0.25% to 6,829.37, and Nasdaq advancing almost 0.6% to 23,413.67 [1] Marvell Technology - Marvell shares rose 1.96% to close at $92.89, with adjusted earnings of 76 cents per share and revenue of $2.08 billion, up from $1.52 billion a year earlier, indicating continued growth [2][3] - The company reported record data center sales and a positive full-year growth outlook, forecasting revenue growth above 40% for the fiscal year, driven by AI infrastructure spending [2][3] CrowdStrike - CrowdStrike stock gained 2.46% to finish at $516.55, with third-quarter revenue reaching just over $1.23 billion, a 22% year-over-year increase, and adjusted earnings of 96 cents [4][5] - Subscription revenue rose 21% to $1.17 billion, and annual recurring revenue grew 23% to $4.92 billion, with $265.3 million in net new ARR added [5][6] Boeing - Boeing shares surged 10.15% to close at $205.38, as the company outlined expectations for higher 737 and 787 jet deliveries in 2026 and reaffirmed its intention to acquire Spirit AeroSystems [7][8] - Management's updated production outlook suggested an acceleration in widebody and narrowbody output, which could improve cash flow and margins as supply chain conditions stabilize [8] Intel Corporation - Intel stock climbed 8.65% to finish at $43.47, amid speculation that Apple could utilize Intel's advanced 18A manufacturing process for M-series processors [9][10] - The company is positioned as a leader in U.S.-based advanced chipmaking, with new fabs planned in Arizona and Ohio, and the potential Apple deal is seen as a strategic supply-chain pivot [11] Pure Storage - Pure Storage shares advanced 6.97% to close at $94.72, with quarterly revenue of $964.45 million, exceeding estimates, and earnings of 58 cents meeting expectations [12][13] - Subscription revenue rose 14% to $429.7 million, and annual recurring revenue climbed 17% to $1.8 billion, with the company raising its fiscal 2026 revenue outlook to $3.63–$3.64 billion [13]

Core Insights - Intel Corporation is undergoing a critical turnaround strategy under new CEO Lip-Bu Tan, with initial stock gains fading as the market seeks tangible results from leadership changes [1][3][12] - The company has achieved a significant milestone by starting risk production for its 18A manufacturing process, which is essential for future competitive product launches [4][6][14] - Despite technological advancements, Intel faces financial challenges, including a substantial net loss reported for the 2024 fiscal year, leading to cautious analyst ratings [9][10][13] Strategic Direction - The strategic direction of Intel, discussed during the Intel Vision 2025 event, emphasizes the need for execution amidst market pressures [2][12] - The initial stock surge of approximately 25% following Tan's appointment added over $20 billion to Intel's market cap, reflecting investor optimism in his leadership [2][3] Manufacturing Milestones - Intel's commencement of risk production for the 18A process node marks a key technical achievement, with Panther Lake client processors set to be among the first products utilizing this technology [4][5][6] - This milestone aligns with Intel's roadmap of "five nodes in four years," targeting a manufacturing ramp in late 2025 [5][12] Product Innovation - Intel continues to innovate across its product segments, recently showcasing the new Xeon 6 processor family designed for data centers and networking markets [7][8] - The Xeon 6 processors feature integrated AI acceleration and performance-per-watt improvements, catering to demanding workloads in various sectors [8] Financial Outlook - Analysts predict break-even earnings per share for Q1 2025, with a slight year-over-year revenue decrease, reflecting ongoing financial concerns [9][10] - The average stock price forecast is set at $25.58, indicating a potential upside of 14.06% from the current price, but most analysts maintain a cautious stance [10][11] Market Sentiment - Increased short interest in Intel stock suggests bearish market sentiment, likely due to the high costs and risks associated with the company's turnaround plan [11][13] - The market's focus has shifted from initial enthusiasm to the necessity for consistent execution and measurable improvements in financial performance [3][14]