Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) has caught the attention of institutional investors, with Generali Investments CEE investiční společnost a.s. securing a new position in the semiconductor giant during the fourth quarter. According to the latest Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the firm acquired 120,000 shares, amounting to an estimated $2,406,000.
Institutional Activity in Intel Stock
A series of institutional investors have been adjusting their stakes in Intel, underscoring a dynamic interest in the company’s stock. Notable transactions include:
- Geode Capital Management LLC increased its Intel holdings by 4.6% in Q3, now owning 92,510,098 shares valued at approximately $2.16 billion.
- Relyea Zuckerberg Hanson LLC expanded its Intel position by 211.6% in Q4, purchasing an additional 19,625 shares to reach a total of 28,898 shares, valued at $579,000.
- Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its stake by 4.4% in Q3, acquiring 204,200 more shares, totaling 4,827,123 shares worth $113.24 million.
- Swiss National Bank marginally increased its holdings by 0.3% in Q3, adding 31,800 shares to bring its total to 12,635,400 shares valued at $296.43 million.
Collectively, institutional investors now hold 64.53% of Intel’s outstanding shares, highlighting a broad engagement in the stock despite market fluctuations.
Wall Street Analysts’ Mixed Sentiment on Intel
Intel’s stock has been the subject of extensive analyst coverage, with ratings reflecting a cautious market stance:
- HSBC upgraded Intel from a “reduce” rating to a “hold” rating on January 21st.
- Citigroup revised its target price from $22.00 to $21.00, maintaining a “neutral” stance.
- Cantor Fitzgerald increased its price target from $22.00 to $29.00 with a “neutral” rating.
- Truist Financial lowered its target from $22.00 to $21.00, reaffirming a “hold” rating.
- Benchmark maintained a “hold” rating on Intel.
Of the 33 analysts covering Intel, five issued a sell rating, 27 assigned a hold rating, and only one recommended a buy. MarketBeat.com’s aggregated data indicates a consensus “Hold” rating with an average price target of $26.88.
Intel Stock Performance and Financial Metrics
Intel’s stock has faced significant volatility, opening at $20.64 on Friday. The company’s current financial standing includes:
- Market Cap: $89.37 billion
- PE Ratio: -4.71
- Beta: 1.02
- 50-Day SMA: $21.30
- 200-Day SMA: $21.80
- Debt-to-Equity Ratio: 0.44
- Current Ratio: 1.33
- Quick Ratio: 0.98
Intel has traded between a 52-week low of $18.51 and a high of $46.63, demonstrating its turbulent performance amid market pressures.
Intel’s Earnings and Future Outlook
Intel’s latest earnings report, released on January 30th, revealed a net loss per share of $(0.02), missing analysts’ consensus estimate of $0.12 by $(0.14). The company posted a negative net margin of 35.32% and a negative return on equity of 3.27%.
Analysts project that Intel will report a negative earnings per share of -$0.11 for the current fiscal year, raising concerns over profitability as the company navigates industry headwinds.
With institutional investors actively modifying their stakes and analysts maintaining a cautious outlook, Intel’s trajectory remains a closely watched topic in the semiconductor sector.
