TLDR
- Intel stock traded near $47.87 as analysts upgraded the shares.
- HSBC raised Intel to Hold, citing stronger server CPU demand.
- Seaport upgraded Intel to Buy with a $65 price target.
- AI-driven workloads are reviving traditional server markets.
- Investors now look to upcoming earnings for confirmation.
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Intel Corporation (INTC) was trading at $47.87, up 1.86% during market hours, after the chipmaker received two notable analyst upgrades ahead of its fourth-quarter earnings report.
Intel Corporation, INTC
The bullish calls from HSBC and Seaport Research reflect growing confidence that Intel may be stabilizing its core businesses while benefiting from renewed demand tied to artificial intelligence workloads.
The upgrades come at a critical moment for Intel, which has spent several years navigating market share losses, execution challenges, and heavy investment needs. Analysts now see signs that key end markets, particularly servers and PCs, are showing healthier trends than previously expected.
HSBC Turns Less Bearish On Intel
HSBC analyst Frank Lee upgraded Intel to Hold from Reduce and doubled his price target to $50. Lee said server shipments could rise between 15% and 20% this year as demand for central processing units accelerates alongside new AI-driven workloads.
According to Lee, the rise of agentic AI systems capable of autonomous decision making is creating incremental demand for traditional servers. Rather than replacing CPUs outright, many AI applications still rely heavily on general-purpose compute, benefiting Intel’s core server portfolio.
Lee also pointed to increasing engagement in Intel’s foundry business. He suggested that large technology players such as Apple and Nvidia may explore limited production partnerships, a signal that Intel Foundry Services could be gaining traction after years of skepticism.
Seaport Sees Upside in PCs and Foundry
Seaport Research analyst Jay Goldberg took a more optimistic stance, upgrading Intel to Buy with a $65 price target. Goldberg cited strong PC sales signals and an improving outlook for Intel’s manufacturing strategy as key reasons for the upgrade.
The PC market has been a drag on I