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Investing.com - HSBC has lowered its price target on Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) to $21.25 from $22.00 while maintaining a Hold rating, citing margin pressure and earnings concerns. This target falls within the broader analyst range of $14-$28.30, with the consensus maintaining a Hold rating. According to InvestingPro analysis, Intel appears slightly undervalued at current levels.
Intel reported second-quarter 2025 revenue of $12.9 billion, exceeding both HSBC estimates and consensus expectations of approximately $11.8-11.9 billion. Despite the revenue beat, the company recognized $800 million in impairment charges and $200 million in one-time period costs, resulting in a gross margin of 29.7%, significantly below guidance of 36.5%. This performance reflects broader challenges, as InvestingPro data shows Intel’s trailing twelve-month gross margin at 33.12% and negative free cash flow yield.
For the third quarter of 2025, Intel guided revenue to range between $12.6-13.6 billion, representing a 2% quarter-over-quarter increase. The company projected a third-quarter gross margin of 36%, below consensus estimates of 37.2%, indicating continued margin contraction. The EPS guidance of $0.00 fell short of HSBC and consensus expectations of $0.05.
HSBC noted Intel’s cautious approach to its foundry business, with the company focusing on its next-generation 14A node for external customers rather than 18A. Intel indicated that 2026 capital expenditure would be lower than its 2025 net capex of $8-11 billion, reflecting a more conservative investment strategy.
The bank revised down its 2025/2026 EPS estimates to $0.10/$0.56 from $0.31/$0.93, reflecting the earnings miss and margin pressures. The new price target of $21.25, based on 0.8x 2026 estimated price-to-book value, implies approximately 6% downside potential. While currently unprofitable, InvestingPro analysis indicates Intel is expected to return to profitability this year. Get the full Intel research report and access to 12+ exclusive ProTips with an InvestingPro subscription.
In other recent news, Intel Corporation reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2025, revealing a notable discrepancy in earnings per share (EPS) compared to projections. The company posted an EPS of -$0.10, which fell short of the forecasted $0.01, marking an EPS surprise of -1100%. However, Intel exceeded revenue expectations, reporting $12.9 billion against the anticipated $11.95 billion. Despite the revenue beat, the earnings miss drew significant attention. Analysts and investors are closely monitoring these developments as they evaluate Intel’s financial health. The earnings report has sparked discussions among financial analysts, with some firms potentially revisiting their ratings on the stock. These recent developments highlight the importance of both earnings and revenue figures in assessing Intel’s performance. Investors are advised to consider these outcomes when making informed decisions.
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