Jim Cramer Sees 25-Point Upside for Intel as Turnaround Gains Momentum
Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) is capturing Wall Street's attention again, with CNBC's Jim Cramer suggesting the stock "could go up 25 points." This bullish outlook comes as the semiconductor giant rides a wave of positive analyst sentiment and executes a pivotal strategic shift under CEO Pat Gelsinger.
Intel's shares have soared 140% over the past year and are up 21% year-to-date, signaling a dramatic recovery for the once-struggling chip pioneer. The company is aggressively streamlining its manufacturing processes and investing heavily to compete in the advanced foundry market, directly challenging leaders like TSMC and Samsung.
The momentum was bolstered by last week's earnings report, which triggered a series of analyst price target increases. JPMorgan raised its target to $35 from $30, citing tailwinds from server CPU demand and a strategic shift of wafer production to the data center segment. Stifel lifted its target to $42, noting improved process yields and pricing power, while Deutsche Bank boosted its target to $45, highlighting Intel's revenue beat.
Cramer focused his comments on Intel's ambitious foundry business and Gelsinger's leadership, expressing confidence in the stock's trajectory. The broader context is a global race for semiconductor sovereignty, with Intel positioned as a key domestic player in the U.S. government's push to onshore critical chip production.
Market Voices
David Chen, Portfolio Manager at TechGrowth Capital: "The analyst moves are rational. Intel is executing its IDM 2.0 strategy with discipline. The foundry business is a long game, but early signs in packaging and process roadmaps are encouraging. This isn't just a cyclical bounce; it's a fundamental re-rating."
Rebecca Vance, Senior Analyst at ClearView Research: "Let's not get carried away. A 140% run-up already prices in immense perfection. Intel's foundry ambitions require tens of billions in capex with uncertain returns, while they're still playing catch-up in process technology. The competition isn't standing still. This feels like hype chasing momentum."
Michael Torres, Independent Semiconductor Consultant: "The sentiment shift is real. Gelsinger has restored credibility. For investors, the bet is now less on a fading PC CPU vendor and more on a national champion in geopolitically crucial tech. The risk-reward profile has fundamentally changed."
Lisa Park, Retail Investor & Finance Blogger: "Finally! I've held INTC through years of frustration. Cramer is right—this turnaround has legs. The AI boom needs chips, and Intel is making itself indispensable again. The 25-point call might be conservative if they hit their foundry milestones."
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