Intel's Stock Splits Analyst Opinions as UBS Upgrades to $200 Amid Mixed Institutional Bets and 50th-Ranked Trading Volume

On September 2, 2025, Intel (INTC) closed with a 0.57% decline, trading at a volume of $1.38 billion, ranking 50th in market activity. The stock has faced mixed signals from analysts and institutional investors, reflecting ongoing uncertainty in its valuation and growth trajectory.

UBS Group AG upgraded its price target for Intel to $200, maintaining a "Buy" rating, citing robust Q2 earnings. The chipmaker reported $20.9 billion in revenue, a 14% year-over-year increase, and $1.72 earnings per share, surpassing expectations. Analysts highlighted improved operational efficiency and margin expansion as key drivers for the revised outlook, though they noted that AI-focused peers might offer higher upside potential.

Institutional investors have shown divergent strategies. PDT Partners LLC increased its stake in Intel by 47.8%, holding 331,447 shares valued at $7.5 million. Meanwhile, other firms like Aptus Capital Advisors and BNP Paribas also boosted their positions during the first quarter. However, a broader analyst consensus of "Reduce" persists, with price targets ranging between $21 and $25, indicating lingering skepticism about the stock's near-term prospects.

Intel's Q2 performance revealed a $0.10 loss per share, falling short of forecasts despite $12.86 billion in revenue. The company’s net margin remained negative at 38.64%, and its return on equity dipped to -3.78%. Analysts from Citigroup, JPMorgan, and Mizuho have either reaffirmed or adjusted their ratings, with most maintaining a cautious stance. UBS’s $200 target stands as the highest among recent revisions, though it contrasts with the market’s bearish sentiment.

The backtest results indicate that Intel’s stock has historically underperformed relative to its sector, with a 10% surge following the Q2 earnings beat failing to sustain momentum. Institutional ownership at 64.53% underscores confidence in long-term growth, but short-term volatility remains a concern as the company navigates margin pressures and competitive dynamics in the semiconductor industry.