Intel (INTC) stock hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday and is still moving higher in pre-market trading today, signaling building momentum. The stock jumped as much as 11% before closing up more than 6% near $42.55, helped by CES optimism and broader strength across chip stocks.
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CES Puts Intel Back in Focus
Early buzz from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) appears to have helped lift sentiment around Intel.
The company unveiled new processors aimed at PCs and AI-powered devices. While none of the updates were major surprises, they helped change the market’s tone. After spending much of the past year lagging behind rivals, Intel started to draw fresh attention again.
Specific details about Intel’s new connection to handhelds will be coming in over the next few months.
Mobileye Deal Adds a Helpful Tailwind
Another factor may be news from Mobileye (MBLY), the self-driving technology firm in which Intel still holds a large stake.
Mobileye announced a $900 million deal to buy robotics startup Mentee. The deal is expected to close this quarter. Mobileye shares initially rose on the news, and the positive reaction may have spilled over to Intel.
Intel spun off Mobileye in 2022 but kept a controlling stake, so positive news or stock gains at Mobileye can directly affect how investors value Intel.
Can Intel Carry This Momentum Into 2026?
That’s the real question now. Beyond CES buzz, investors are watching whether Intel can turn recent partnerships into steady growth. Intel already counts Microsoft (MSFT) and Amazon (AMZN) among customers for its foundry and custom chip efforts, and any expansion of that work would be a clear positive.
Meanwhile, progress on advanced packaging and U.S.-based manufacturing could also help Intel attract more customers looking to reduce reliance on Asia.
For now, Intel is back on the radar, reflecting a meaningful change in investor sentiment after months of doubt.
Is Intel a Buy, Hold or Sell?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Hold consensus rating on INTC stock based on six Buys, 19 Holds, and six Sells assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 114.4% rally in its share price over the past year, the average INTC price target of $39 per share implies 8.52% downside risk.
