‘Even Noah May Not Save This Ship,' Says Top Investor About Intel Stock

Business Insider

5 hours ago

In recent years, chip stock Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) has struggled with a bloated cost structure, inconsistent execution, and falling behind rivals like Nvidia, AMD, and TSMC in both innovation and market leadership. Long-term investors are now pinning their hopes on new CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who has been tasked with turning the chip giant's fortunes around.
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Tan's appointment has been applauded in the industry, with many viewing him as the right person to lead a much-needed overhaul. He has wasted no time in making changes, launching a campaign to reduce bureaucracy and streamlining Intel's inflated middle management in order to sharpen cost efficiency.
Given how bloated Intel's cost structure had become, top investor JR Research, who is among the top 1% of TipRanks' stock pros, thinks the move is not just important – it's a fundamental step toward helping INTC catch up with top semiconductor rivals like Nvidia, AMD and TSMC. However, even with Tan at the helm, doing so will be extremely difficult.
'Notwithstanding Tan's undisputed semiconductor pedigree,' says JR, 'reigniting the fortunes of the former King of semis is easier said than done.'
So far, the market seems to agree. INTC stock has continued to trail its chipmaking peers since peaking in early 2025, a sign that investors remain skeptical of a near-term turnaround. In contrast, the top holdings of the VanEck Semiconductor ETF – namely Nvidia, AMD, and Broadcom – have either reclaimed or surpassed (in Broadcom's case) their 2025 highs, highlighting the market's clear skepticism toward Tan's turnaround narrative.
According to JR, there are just too many issues to contend with. The company is grappling with deeply rooted structural, geopolitical, and technological challenges, making the idea of a swift turnaround under Tan 'arguably not justified.'
To address these hurdles, Tan has outlined a roadmap at major events such as Intel Vision and Intel Foundry Direct Connect, presenting new strategic goals and performance targets. Yet, as JR notes, one critical issue remains untouched: the separation of Intel's foundry business from its core product and design units, a move many see as vital to realigning focus and unlocking value.
While JR isn't questioning Tan's capability to revamp Intel Foundry and execute a massive CapEx plan to compete more effectively with TSMC, the reality is that TSMC has already secured a commanding lead in AI chip manufacturing. With Nvidia among its largest clients, the gap between the two continues to grow, casting further doubt on how quickly Intel can reassert itself in the AI race, or whether it ever truly will.
For JR, then, it's best to stay on the sidelines for now. Hence, the 5-star investor rates INTC stock a Hold (i.e., Neutral). (To watch JR Research's track record, click here)
That take resonates with Wall Street's analyst community: based on 26 Holds, 4 Sells, and just 1 Buy, the stock carries a Hold consensus rating. According to the average price target of $21.30, shares are expected to stay relatively flat over the next year. (See INTC stock forecast)
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