Ticker Move of the Day: INTC +8.48% on analyst upgrades and October CPU price hikes
Intel (INTC) surged 8.48% to $109.58 in regular-session trading on September 17, propelled by multiple bullish catalysts unveiled today. Tigress Financial raised its price target to $145 from $118 with a Buy rating, while Northland upgraded the stock to Outperform with a $120 target, citing clear progress in Intel's turnaround and strength in the Terafab foundry partnership. Management disclosed plans for a roughly 10% PC CPU price hike in early October, signaling regained pricing power in the channel and potential margin expansion. Analysts also highlighted High-NA EUV now in high-volume manufacturing with over one million wafers processed, de-risking Intel's foundry strategy and foundational process-node comeback. The moves suggest institutional confidence that Intel's AI-driven server rebound, along with stronger product competitiveness, can drive earnings growth despite the company still operating at a net loss and carrying significant leverage. Investors will focus next on October 26 earnings and whether the promised CPU price hike materializes alongside improving foundry demand.