INTC Stock Forecast 2025: Is Intel a Buy, Sell, or Hold?

INTC Stock Forecast 2025: Is Intel a Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) has long been a household name in the world of technology and investing. For decades, it was the king of semiconductors—the company behind the chips inside millions of PCs. But fast forward to 2025, and Intel finds itself in a very different place.

The stock is up this year, yes, but it’s also trading far below its past highs. Competition is stronger than ever, and Intel’s future looks both promising and uncertain. That leaves investors asking the key question: Is Intel stock a buy, a sell, or simply a hold right now?

Let’s dig into the latest numbers, Intel’s big moves, and what the future might hold for one of the most iconic companies in tech.

Intel Stock Price in 2025

As of August 26, 2025, Intel’s share price sits around $24.55. That’s a 21% increase since the start of the year. For short-term traders, that’s encouraging. But compared to Intel’s highs back in 2021, the stock is still far behind.

To put it in perspective: Intel was once a market darling. But in the past few years, Nvidia, AMD, and TSMC have taken much of the spotlight. While Intel is working on a turnaround, investors haven’t fully bought into the story yet.

Here’s the reality—Intel’s stock is showing signs of life in 2025, but it has a long way to go before it can win back Wall Street’s full confidence.

A Critical Point in Intel’s 41-Year Stock History

Intel isn’t just another tech company. Its stock history spans more than four decades, and in that time, it has shaped the computing industry. From the early PC era to powering data centers, Intel has been at the center of innovation.

But every giant faces  challenges, and for Intel, the past decade has been rough. Competitors like AMD have gained ground with faster, more efficient processors. Nvidia has risen to dominate the world of AI and GPUs. And TSMC has become the leader in chip manufacturing.

Right now, Intel is standing at a crossroads. The choices it makes in 2025 and beyond will decide whether it can make a comeback—or fall further behind.

Intel’s Big Moves in 2025

Intel hasn’t been sitting still. In fact, it’s been making some major strategic moves this year. Let’s break them down.

Selling 51% of Altera

In April, Intel announced that it was selling 51% of Altera, its programmable chip unit, to Silver Lake, a leading private equity firm. The deal, valued at about $3.3 billion, officially closed last Friday.

For Intel, this sale means two things:

1. Cash Infusion – The $3.3 billion provides Intel with liquidity to fund its other initiatives.

2. Strategic Shift – Some investors view this as Intel narrowing its focus. Others worry it could hurt future growth, since programmable chips are important for emerging technologies.

$50 Billion Spent on Manufacturing Upgrades

Over the past two years, Intel has poured more than $50 billion into upgrading and expanding its manufacturing facilities. This is an enormous bet. Intel wants to compete head-to-head with TSMC and regain its reputation as a leader in chip production.

The strategy sounds bold, but it comes with risks:

High Costs: New fabrication plants take years and billions of dollars before they start generating returns.

Execution Risks: Intel has struggled with delays in the past. If these projects fall behind, the company risks losing even more ground.

Still, if Intel can pull this off, it could reshape the semiconductor industry and restore investor confidence.

Analyst Opinions: A Mixed Bag

So, what do the experts say? According to research compiled by Public.com, analysts are split on Intel. Some believe the stock is undervalued and offers long-term upside. Others see it as a risky bet compared to faster-growing rivals.

It’s important to remember: these are opinions, not guarantees. Analysts base their views on financial models and market trends, but no one can predict the future with certainty. For investors, that means weighing both the upside and downside before making a decision.

Buy, Sell, or Hold? Breaking It Down

When it comes to Intel stock in 2025, here’s how the case looks from each angle.

Reasons to Buy Intel

Cheap Valuation: At around $24.55, Intel is much cheaper than many peers. Value investors may see opportunity.

Turnaround Potential: With $50 billion invested in manufacturing, Intel could stage a strong comeback.

Brand Strength: Intel is still a trusted name in computing, with deep industry connections.

Reasons to Sell Intel

Strong Competition: AMD, Nvidia, and TSMC are dominating key markets like AI, GPUs, and advanced chipmaking.

Execution Risks: Intel’s history of delays raises concerns about whether it can deliver on big promises.

Lost Growth Units: Selling most of Altera may reduce Intel’s future growth options.

Reasons to Hold Intel

Uncertain Outlook: If you already own shares, holding may be the safest choice until Intel proves its strategy.

Dividends: Intel has historically paid dividends, offering income even if the stock lags.

Patience Could Pay Off: The turnaround will take time, and long-term holders may be rewarded if Intel succeeds.

The Bigger Picture: Intel vs. Its Rivals

To understand Intel’s outlook, you also have to look at its competitors.

Nvidia is the clear leader in AI chips, and its stock has surged in recent years.

AMD has gained market share in CPUs with innovative designs and strong partnerships.

TSMC continues to dominate manufacturing, producing chips for the biggest names in tech.

Intel, by contrast, is playing catch-up. Its big investments are designed to change this, but investors should recognize that the gap is wide.

What This Means for Investors in 2025

Here’s the takeaway: Intel is a “show-me” stock right now. The company has made bold moves, but the results aren’t in yet.

If you believe in Intel’s turnaround, buying at today’s prices could look like a smart move in hindsight. If you’re skeptical, it may feel safer to avoid or sell. And for those already holding shares, patience might be the best approach.

FAQs About Intel Stock Forecast 2025

1. Why has Intel underperformed compared to AMD and Nvidia?

Intel has faced delays in manufacturing and product launches, while rivals like AMD and Nvidia have captured key growth areas such as gaming, data centers, and AI.

2. What impact does the Altera sale have on Intel’s future?

Selling 51% of Altera gives Intel $3.3 billion in cash but reduces its exposure to programmable chips, which could have long-term growth potential.

3. Does Intel still pay dividends in 2025?

Yes, Intel continues to pay dividends, making it attractive for income-focused investors even if the stock isn’t performing strongly.

4. Where can I follow Intel’s latest news and stock updates?

You can track updates from reliable sources like NASDAQ, Reuters, and CNBC. These outlets provide real-time market and company news.

Final Thoughts

Intel’s stock forecast for 2025 is a story of both risk and opportunity. Shares are up 21% this year, but still far below their highs. The company has sold part of Altera, invested $50 billion in manufacturing, and is working to rebuild its reputation.

For investors, the decision comes down to perspective. If you see Intel’s bold strategy as the start of a comeback, buying or holding makes sense. If you’re worried about competition and execution risks, selling may feel more comfortable.

One thing is certain: Intel’s next chapter will be closely watched. With over 41 years of history on the stock market, the company has shown resilience before. Whether it can do it again will define its future—and determine whether today’s price is a bargain or a warning sign.