Intel stock today surges over 5% as analysts boost INTC stock price targets ahead of earnings

INTC Intel stock price: Intel shares surged more than 5% on Tuesday after analysts from HSBC and Seaport Research Partners upgraded the chipmaker, sparking renewed investor interest just ahead of its fourth-quarter earnings report scheduled after market close on January 22.

INTC Stock Today: Intel Shares Jump After Analyst Upgrades

Seaport Research Partners raised Intel’s rating from Neutral to Buy and set a $65 price target, citing the company’s potential to regain market share in both enterprise and consumer PCs, as per a report.

INTC Stock Price Outlook: Seaport Research Raises Intel to Buy With $65 Price Target

Analyst Jay Goldberg highlighted Intel’s 18A process as “highly performant” and said the company’s upcoming Panther Lake processors could drive near-term growth, as per a Ts2.tech report. Seaport also noted Intel’s position as a key option for external clients needing advanced packaging services, especially with Taiwan Semiconductor’s capacity limits opening opportunities for competitors.


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INTC Stock Price Prediction: HSBC Boosts Intel From Reduce to Hold, Raises Price Target to $50

HSBC’s Frank Lee upgraded Intel from Reduce to Hold, increasing the price target from $26 to $50. He emphasized the rising demand for “agentic AI” systems as a potential boost for server CPU sales, projecting that server shipments could grow 15% to 20% in 2026, well above the Street’s 4% to 6% forecast, as per the Ts2.tech report. Lee added that further upside from data center AI is not yet fully priced into Intel’s stock.

Intel Outperforms S&P 500 and Nasdaq Today

The stock’s strength contrasted with the broader market. While Intel climbed 4.9%, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 ETFs fell roughly 1.4%. Among semiconductor peers, AMD rose 0.9%, Nvidia slipped 3.4%, and Taiwan Semiconductor fell 1.8%.

Foundry Operations Remain a Key Focus

Traders are focused on Intel’s ability to stabilize its core CPU business while expanding its foundry operations, which remain costly to operate and dominated by Taiwan Semiconductor.

Analysts note that recent signals from PC OEMs and ODMs show strong interest in Intel’s new products, offering further optimism for the company’s near-term performance.

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Upcoming Earnings Report Is Market Catalyst

Options activity also indicates investors are preparing for a volatile reaction following the earnings report, with potential swings of up to 8.82% either way, according to TipRanks.

Investors will closely watch the earnings report and conference call for updates on PC and data center guidance, progress on the 18A process, and traction with external foundry clients, as these developments are likely to influence market sentiment heading into the first quarter of 2026.

FAQs

Why did Intc stock jump today?
Intel shares rose after HSBC and Seaport upgraded the stock and raised their price targets.

What is Seaport Research’s new rating for Intel?
Seaport upgraded Intel from Neutral to Buy with a $65 price target.