Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) remains a focal point for institutional investors as market fluctuations prompt strategic adjustments in holdings. In the fourth quarter, Schaper Benz & Wise Investment Counsel Inc. WI reduced its stake in the semiconductor giant by 4.7%, selling 20,463 shares and bringing its total holdings to 413,110 shares. This reduction placed the firm’s Intel holdings at $8.28 million, according to its latest Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing.
Institutional Investors Shift Positions
Several other institutional investors have also made strategic moves regarding their Intel investments:
- Quest Partners LLC increased its stake by an impressive 7,370.6% during Q3, acquiring 1,270 shares.
- Finley Financial LLC, Synergy Investment Management LLC, BankPlus Trust Department, and Keystone Financial Group Inc. all initiated new Intel positions in Q4, reflecting interest in the stock at current levels.
- Institutional investors and hedge funds collectively own 64.53% of Intel’s outstanding shares, signifying continued confidence despite recent volatility.
Intel’s Market Performance and Key Metrics
Intel’s stock has experienced fluctuations, with shares down 0.5% to $20.64 on Friday. The chipmaker’s financial indicators include:
- 50-day moving average: $21.30
- 200-day moving average: $21.81
- Market capitalization: $89.37 billion
- Price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio: -4.71
- Beta: 1.02
- Debt-to-equity ratio: 0.44
- Current ratio: 1.33
- Quick ratio: 0.98
Intel’s stock has seen a 52-week low of $18.51 and a high of $46.63, reflecting ongoing market uncertainty.
Intel’s Q4 Earnings Report
Intel posted its latest earnings results on January 30, 2025, reporting a net loss per share of ($0.02), missing analyst expectations of $0.12 per share. The company faced challenges, including:
- Net margin: -35.32%
- Return on equity: -3.27%
- Projected full-year earnings per share: -$0.11
These figures highlight the ongoing restructuring efforts within Intel’s business segments, including Client Computing Group, Data Center and AI, and Intel Foundry Services.
Analyst Ratings and Price Target Adjustments
Equity analysts have maintained a cautious stance on Intel’s stock:
- UBS Group lowered its price target from $26.00 to $23.00, maintaining a neutral rating.
- Bank of America reiterated an underperform rating with a $21.00 price target.
- Barclays also adjusted its price target from $25.00 to $23.00, maintaining an equal weight rating.
- Needham & Company LLC and Cantor Fitzgerald provided a hold rating, with Cantor Fitzgerald raising its target to $29.00.
Currently, MarketBeat data shows that five analysts rate Intel as a sell, 27 analysts have a hold rating, and only one recommends buying the stock. The average price target stands at $26.88.
The Road Ahead for Intel
With its foundry services expansion, ongoing restructuring, and strategic investments in AI and semiconductor manufacturing, Intel remains a company to watch. As market conditions evolve, institutional investors and analysts continue to reassess their positions, making Intel’s stock movements a key indicator of broader semiconductor industry trends.
