Intel Option Alert: Jun 20 $25 Puts at the Bid: 3000 vs 15556 OI

Intel Option Alert: Jun 20 $25 Puts at the Bid: 3000 @ $2.61 vs 15556 OI; Ref=$25.495

Intel Option Alert: Mar 28 $20 Calls at the Bid: 1145 vs 1408 OI

Intel Option Alert: Mar 28 $20 Calls at the Bid: 1145 @ $5.95 vs 1408 OI; Ref=$25.6801

Intel Option Alert: Jun 20 $29 Calls at the Bid: 5000 vs 2571 OI

Intel Option Alert: Jun 20 $29 Calls at the Bid: 5000 @ $1.73 vs 2571 OI; Ref=$24.875

Intel Option Alert: May 16 $30 Calls at the Bid: 3425 vs 25390 OI

Intel Option Alert: May 16 $30 Calls at the Bid: 3425 @ $1.62 vs 25390 OI; Ref=$25.815

Intel Option Alert: Jun 20 $23 Calls at the Ask: 1070 vs 16338 OI

Intel Option Alert: Jun 20 $23 Calls at the Ask: 1070 @ $4.9 vs 16338 OI; Ref=$26.01

Intel Option Alert: Mar 21 $20 Calls at the Bid: 1387 vs 60773 OI

Intel Option Alert: Mar 21 $20 Calls at the Bid: 1387 @ $4.25 vs 60773 OI; Ref=$23.82

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) Stock

Intel

Intel is a leading digital chipmaker, focused on the design and manufacturing of microprocessors for the global personal computer and data center markets. Intel pioneered the x86 architecture for microprocessors and was the prime proponent of Moore's law for advances in semiconductor manufacturing. Intel remains the market share leader in central processing units in both the PC and server end markets. Intel has also been expanding into new adjacencies, such as communications infrastructure, automotive, and the Internet of Things. Further, Intel expects to leverage its chip manufacturing capabilities into an outsourced foundry model where it constructs chips for others.

Tainan,,Taiwan-,September,30,,2021:,Taiwan,Semiconductor,Manufacturing,Company,(tsmc)

Government

News

Regulations

Tech

Media

AAPL

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MSFT

NVDA

iShares PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index Fund

SOXX

Taiwan&#39;s regulator may remove 30% cap for constituent stocks in local ETFs, benefiting TSMC. US-Taiwan trade and defense ties also improving.

Taiwan Semiconductor Too Big For The Index, Regulator Considers Lifting Weight Cap

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iShares Dow Jones US Pharmaceuticals Index Fund

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Trump&#39;s proposed 25% tariffs on auto, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical imports have rattled markets and could affect ETFs with heavy exposure to these sectors.

Trade War Redux: These ETFs Due For Bumpy Ride Thanks To Trump Tariffs On Auto, Pharma, Chip Imports

Tokyo,,Japan,,March,2023.an,Image,Of,Tsmc,,A,Taiwanese,Semiconductor

ASML

KLAC

SSNLF

Taiwan Semi&#39;s rumored acquisition of Intel could hinder Samsung&#39;s chip-making profit. Trump&#39;s takeover proposal for Intel&#39;s foundry biz adds to uncertainty.

Taiwan Semiconductor&#39;s Potential Intel Takeover Could Widen Gap, Threatening Samsung&#39;s Chip Business: Report

Intel Corp

Intchains Group Limited - American Depositary Shares

Intchains Group Ltd

WIIM

ANET

ATGL

BBAI

BNAI

BTBT

CAMT

COHR

CRDO

CSAI

DOCN

EPAM

FLEX

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IONQ

KEYS

LRCX

MCHP

MPWR

MRVL

MVIS

NXPI

OKTA

OSIS

OUST

PSTG

RGTI

SHMD

SHOP

SMCI

SNOW

TWLO

VUZI

WOLF

WULF

ZBRA

Shares of companies in the broader technology sector are trading lower amid overall market weakness on US consumer and economic concerns.

Shares of semiconductor companies are trading lower amid overall market weakness on US consumer and economic concerns.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/taiwan" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taiwan&#8217;s Financial Supervisory Commission</a> is exploring the removal of the 30% cap for constituent member stocks in the market capitalization of local index ETFs.
The Taiwanese regulator may approve appropriate amendments in the first half of this year, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-21/taiwan-considers-lifting-weighting-cap-on-etfs-as-tsmc-surges?sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> on Friday.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43860815/lam-research-unveils-ai-chipmaking-tools-secures-tsmc-and-micron-as-customers-projects-up-to-28-billion-revenue-by-2028-plans-85-free-cash-flow-return" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lam Research Unveils AI Chipmaking Tools, Projects Big Returns</a>
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) member weighting in local equity benchmark Taiex climbed to 37%, making adjustments in ETF products tracking the index difficult.
The chipmaker stock surged 140% since the global artificial intelligence investing frenzy in late 2022. Taiwan Semiconductor stock surged 60% in the last 12 months. It is the key supplier of AI chips for Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) GPUs and Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) smartphones.
The AI frenzy is in no mood to slow down. Reportedly, Microsoft Corp&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43316522/not-just-deepseek-alibaba-unveils-ai-model-to-rival-openais-operator" rel="noreferrer noopener">committed $80 billion</a> in AI infrastructure spending&nbsp;for 2025, and&nbsp;Meta Platforms Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>)&nbsp;earmarked $60-65 billion.
The Taiwanese contract chipmaker&#8217;s rumored Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) deal could <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/02/43815191/taiwan-semiconductors-potential-intel-takeover-could-widen-gap-threatening-samsungs-chip-business-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">expand its market share</a> to 75% (up from 64.9% in the third quarter of 2024) and could further increase the market cap of the stock.
Taiwan looks to boost U.S. trade and defense ties, addressing President Donald Trump&#8217;s chip concerns as the chipmaker invests <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43727973/taiwan-semiconductor-eyes-us-expansion-amid-taiwans-push-for-bigger-investments-and-advanced-chip-production" rel="noreferrer noopener">$65 billion in Arizona fabs</a>.
Trump had verbally attacked Taiwan since his presidential campaign days for allegedly undermining U.S. manufacturing of semiconductor chips, including the lack of a formal defense treaty between the Chinese-claimed Taiwan as its most significant international backer and arms supplier.
Trump also criticized Taiwan for its trade surplus with the U.S.. He threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Taiwan-made chips. Reportedly, Trump plans to scrap the US CHIPS and Science Act, which Taiwan Semiconductor is a significant beneficiary of.
Meanwhile, Taiwan Semiconductor ramped up U.S. expansion, spending $17.14 billion on advanced chips and packaging as Taiwan seeks a global AI chip alliance.
Investors can gain exposure to Taiwan Semiconductor through VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>).
Price Action:&nbsp;TSM stock traded higher by 0.75% to $201.60 premarket at the last check on Friday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43847808/lenovo-q3-earnings-20-revenue-jump-ai-pcs-and-smartphones-power-market-expansion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lenovo Q3 Earnings: 20% Revenue Jump, AI PCs and Smartphones Power Market Expansion</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Jack Hong via Shutterstock

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Information Technology sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SMCI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$57.1K</td>
<td>35.5K</td>
<td>64.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/28/25</td>
<td>$26.00</td>
<td>$112.2K</td>
<td>11.7K</td>
<td>6.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$450.00</td>
<td>$35.5K</td>
<td>888</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$264.0K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COHR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$58.5K</td>
<td>259</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ARM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$43.3K</td>
<td>576</td>
<td>855</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAOI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$27.5K</td>
<td>7.3K</td>
<td>733</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GWRE</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$332.8K</td>
<td>81</td>
<td>707</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TWLO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$25.4K</td>
<td>148</td>
<td>650</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>$600.0K</td>
<td>3.3K</td>
<td>508</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For SMCI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 1 day(s) on February 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 143 contract(s) at a $60.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 33 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $57.1K, with a price of $400.0 per contract. There were 35507 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 64339 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For INTC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 8 day(s) on February 28, 2025. This event was a transfer of 2000 contract(s) at a $26.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 10 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $112.2K, with a price of $56.0 per contract. There were 11701 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 6684 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding APP (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APP#NASDAQ">APP</a>), we observe a call option sweep with neutral sentiment. It expires in 56 day(s) on April 17, 2025. Parties traded 8 contract(s) at a $450.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.5K, with a price of $4451.0 per contract. There were 888 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2287 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MSTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 330 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 20 contract(s) at a $250.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $264.0K, with a price of $13206.0 per contract. There were 3080 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1661 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding COHR (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COHR#NYSE">COHR</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 29 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 150 contract(s) at a $90.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $58.5K, with a price of $390.0 per contract. There were 259 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1191 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ARM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 148 day(s) on July 18, 2025. This event was a transfer of 22 contract(s) at a $155.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 8 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $43.3K, with a price of $1970.0 per contract. There were 576 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 855 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AAOI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAOI#NASDAQ">AAOI</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 29 day(s) on March 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $30.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.5K, with a price of $550.0 per contract. There were 7398 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 733 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding GWRE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GWRE#NYSE">GWRE</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 29 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 416 contract(s) at a $200.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 43 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $332.8K, with a price of $800.0 per contract. There were 81 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 707 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For TWLO (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TWLO#NYSE">TWLO</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 211 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 24 contract(s) at a $110.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.4K, with a price of $1060.0 per contract. There were 148 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 650 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AMD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 302 day(s) on December 19, 2025. Parties traded 500 contract(s) at a $135.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $600.0K, with a price of $1200.0 per contract. There were 3345 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 508 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

AAOI

GWRE

MSTR

10 Information Technology Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SMCI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$29.4K</td>
<td>48.1K</td>
<td>90.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$26.6K</td>
<td>70.8K</td>
<td>32.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RGTI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$10.50</td>
<td>$27.0K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
<td>5.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$236.8K</td>
<td>23.0K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DELL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$49.1K</td>
<td>6.2K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>QBTS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$8.00</td>
<td>$80.1K</td>
<td>4.5K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PLTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>02/28/25</td>
<td>$126.00</td>
<td>$41.5K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FTNT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$58.5K</td>
<td>6.1K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AVGO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/07/25</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
<td>$123.5K</td>
<td>877</td>
<td>708</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MCHP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/28/25</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$65.0K</td>
<td>560</td>
<td>522</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For SMCI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 2 day(s) on February 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 62 contract(s) at a $60.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.4K, with a price of $475.0 per contract. There were 48158 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 90783 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on February 21, 2025. Parties traded 1900 contract(s) at a $130.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 38 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.6K, with a price of $14.0 per contract. There were 70835 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 32305 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding RGTI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGTI#NASDAQ">RGTI</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on February 21, 2025. Parties traded 300 contract(s) at a $10.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.0K, with a price of $90.0 per contract. There were 1716 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 5965 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For INTC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 331 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 2115 contract(s) at a $45.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $236.8K, with a price of $112.0 per contract. There were 23060 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2856 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For DELL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DELL#NYSE">DELL</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 2 day(s) on February 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 289 contract(s) at a $120.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 7 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $49.1K, with a price of $170.0 per contract. There were 6270 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1767 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding QBTS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QBTS#NYSE">QBTS</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 30 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 1000 contract(s) at a $8.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 16 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $80.1K, with a price of $80.0 per contract. There were 4574 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1441 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For PLTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 9 day(s) on February 28, 2025. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $126.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $41.5K, with a price of $415.0 per contract. There were 1071 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1259 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding FTNT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTNT#NASDAQ">FTNT</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 695 day(s) on January 15, 2027. Parties traded 16 contract(s) at a $100.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $58.5K, with a price of $3660.0 per contract. There were 6191 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1207 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AVGO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 16 day(s) on March 7, 2025. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $225.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $123.5K, with a price of $1235.0 per contract. There were 877 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 708 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MCHP (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCHP#NASDAQ">MCHP</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 9 day(s) on February 28, 2025. Parties traded 250 contract(s) at a $60.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $65.0K, with a price of $260.0 per contract. There were 560 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 522 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

DELL

FTNT

PLTR

QBTS

10 Information Technology Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

Intel shares are trading lower. Weakness may be due to a pullback after the stock gained in recent sessions.

Investors are scrambling to assess the potential fallout of yet <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tariffs">another tectonic trade decision</a>. 
What Happened: President Donald Trump plans to impose a 25% levy on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43805852/trump-shakes-global-trade-with-25-auto-chip-and-pharma-tariffs-announcement-asian-stocks-pare-their-five-day-rally">auto, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical imports</a>,
This move could have far-reaching consequences for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">ETFs with heavy exposure to these sectors</a>, particularly those tracking automakers, chipmakers, and biotech firms.
Trump's protectionist stance triggered an immediate market response across the global markets. Asian stocks retreated after a five-day rally, with the MSCI Asia Pacific Index slipping, particularly affecting Japanese automakers like Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TM#NYSE">TM</a>).
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43795579/warren-buffett-unfazed-by-trumps-tariff-threats-oracle-of-omaha-bets-on-mexico-beer">Warren Buffett Unfazed By Trump&#8217;s Tariff Threats: Oracle Of Omaha Bets On Mexico, Beer</a>
Automakers: The U.S. imported around 8 million passenger cars and light trucks last year, comprising 50% of total vehicle sales, according to a report by Wall Street Journal. A 25% tariff would increase vehicle prices, impact supply chains, and hurt companies dependent on overseas manufacturing. 
Here are a few ETFs likely to take a hit:
<ul>
<li>Global X Autonomous &amp; Electric Vehicles ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRIV#NASDAQ">DRIV</a>): Fairly exposed to Toyota, Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), and Ford (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>), this fund could face turbulence as trade tensions mount.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>First Trust NASDAQ Global Auto Index Fund (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CARZ#NASDAQ">CARZ</a>): Tracks major global automakers, including BMW, Honda, and General Motors (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>), which rely on imported parts. The ETF also has significant exposure to Toyota and Tesla and allocates 46% of its assets to overseas stocks. That places it in a precarious position amid escalating tariff situations.</li>
</ul>
Chips: Trump also declared that sectoral tariffs on semiconductors would start at "25% or higher", escalating further over time. This comes as the U.S. considers a 100% tariff on Taiwanese semiconductors, an industry heavily reliant on TSMC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>).
<ul>
<li>iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>) – With Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), and Broadcom (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) among its top holdings, this fund is exposed to volatility stemming from supply chain disruptions.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) – Heavily weighted towards TSMC, Intel (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), and Qualcomm (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>), making it vulnerable to any tariff escalation.</li>
</ul>
Pharma: The pharmaceutical sector is also caught in the crosshairs, with Trump hinting at escalating tariffs beyond 25% over the year. This could upend drug pricing, R&amp;D costs, and supply chain dynamics for major biopharma companies.
<ul>
<li>iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHE#NYSE">IHE</a>): Tracks major drugmakers like Pfizer (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>), Merck (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), and Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), all of which could see higher costs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>SPDR S&amp;P Biotech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XBI#NYSE">XBI</a>): While biotech firms often have global R&amp;D operations, increased tariffs could disrupt access to imported drug components.</li>
</ul>
Why It Matters: Trump has long voiced concerns over U.S. automotive exports being treated unfairly abroad. In his first term, he threatened a similar 25% car tariff but ultimately backed down.
For ETF investors, volatility is back on the table. Those holding funds exposed to autos, chips, and pharmaceuticals must brace for a bumpy ride. While Trump believes the move will bring manufacturing back home, the short-term pain could be severe.
The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. companies may receive a phase-in period, with tariffs increasing over the course of the year.
What's Next: Markets will be watching closely as April 2 (when auto tariffs are expected to kick in) approaches. Any delays or modifications to the tariff plan could shift investor sentiment. 
For now, ETF traders should keep an eye on sectoral rotation, hedge exposure where necessary, and prepare for the potential impact of another round of trade wars.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/02/43794873/vanguard-overtakes-state-street-as-top-etf-provider-3-funds-in-focus">Vanguard Overtakes State Street As Top ETF Provider: 3 Funds In Focus</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Intel. Our analysis of options history for Intel (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) revealed 15 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 80% of traders were bullish, while 6% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 2 were puts, with a value of $177,404, and 13 were calls, valued at $1,061,915.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $20.0 to $50.0 for Intel over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Intel's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Intel's whale trades within a strike price range from $20.0 to $50.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Intel 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1739979923_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$10.25</td>
<td>$10.1</td>
<td>$10.25</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$305.4K</td>
<td>11.5K</td>
<td>655</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/28/25</td>
<td>$4.2</td>
<td>$4.15</td>
<td>$4.15</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
<td>$262.7K</td>
<td>7.6K</td>
<td>128</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$1.41</td>
<td>$1.37</td>
<td>$1.37</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
<td>$137.0K</td>
<td>4.1K</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$0.76</td>
<td>$0.7</td>
<td>$0.76</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$75.5K</td>
<td>14.7K</td>
<td>141</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1.31</td>
<td>$1.3</td>
<td>$1.31</td>
<td>$27.50</td>
<td>$70.2K</td>
<td>62.7K</td>
<td>3.6K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Intel</h3>
Intel is a leading digital chipmaker, focused on the design and manufacturing of microprocessors for the global personal computer and data center markets. Intel pioneered the x86 architecture for microprocessors and was the prime proponent of Moore's law for advances in semiconductor manufacturing. Intel remains the market share leader in central processing units in both the PC and server end markets. Intel has also been expanding into new adjacencies, such as communications infrastructure, automotive, and the Internet of Things. Further, Intel expects to leverage its chip manufacturing capabilities into an outsourced foundry model where it constructs chips for others.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Intel, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Intel</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 63,605,276, the price of INTC is down by -5.31%, reaching $25.93.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 64 days from now.</li>
</ul>
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Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Intel with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Markets

Intel Unusual Options Activity

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) rumored acquisition of Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) could hinder&nbsp;Samsung Electronics Co&#8217;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) push to narrow the gap with the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/artificial-intelligence" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taiwanese contract chipmaker</a>.
The Trump administration has proposed an acquisition of Intel&#8217;s struggling foundry business, which reported a net loss of $19.2 billion in 2024.
On the other side, Samsung noted slow <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/management/25/02/43440540/samsungs-jay-y-lee-acquitted-shifting-focus-to-business-challenges" rel="noreferrer noopener">demand for conventional chips</a> in personal computers and mobile phones, which affected its memory business.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/02/43788975/amd-closing-competitive-gpu-gap-with-nvidia-gains-market-share-from-intel-in-client-and-server-markets-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">AMD Closing Competitive GPU Gap With Nvidia, Gains Market Share From Intel In Client And Server Markets: Analyst</a>
Rising R&amp;D costs and early investments in expanding advanced-chip processing capability also affected its earnings.
Samsung lagged behind&nbsp;SK Hynix in making the best memory chips for artificial intelligence, affecting its chip-making profit. Also, the Trump administration&#8217;s aggressive tariffs perpetrated uncertainty over Samsung&#8217;s mobile and consumer businesses.
Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) has been examining Intel&#8217;s chip design and marketing business, fueling rumors of a potential takeover.
Samsung&#8217;s foundry unit failed to become profitable over the years.
Last November, Samsung named Han Jin-man, executive vice president of its U.S. semiconductor business, to lead its foundry unit. His inaugural message stressed the importance of&nbsp;a &#8220;rapid ramp-up&#8221; of foundry production&nbsp;using the 2-nm process.
Kim Hyung-jun Kim of South Korea&#8217;s Next-Generation Intelligent Semiconductor Foundation Group and Seoul National University <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kedglobal.com/korean-chipmakers/newsView/ked202502180005" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> the Korea Economic Daily that if Taiwan Semiconductor could employ Intel&#8217;s .U.S factories, it could help boost the former&#8217;s market share to ~75% (up from 64.9% in the third quarter of 2024) at the cost of Samsung, which has a 9.3% market share.
Needham&#8217;s Charles Shi expects the takeover to lead to capital efficiency, a long-term negative for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/02/43792756/taiwan-semiconductors-intel-foundry-acquisition-could-be-negative-for-asml-kla-synopsys-and-cadence-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">Semiconductor Capital Equipment (Semicap)&nbsp;companies</a>. Shi noted that the takeover would negatively impact ASML Holding (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>) and KLA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>) due to the cancellation or scaling back of Intel&#8217;s aggressively pushing high-NA EUV program.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43793464/robinhood-to-expands-crypto-offerings-in-singapore-in-push-for-global-growth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robinhood To Expands Crypto Offerings In Singapore In Push For Global Growth</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by wakamatsu.h via Shutterstock

Taiwan Semiconductor's Potential Intel Takeover Could Widen Gap, Threatening Samsung's Chip Business: Report

<ul>
<li>SMCI</li>
<li>NVDA</li>
<li>TSLA</li>
<li>LUNR</li>
<li>INTC</li>
<li>PLTR</li>
<li>CVNA</li>
<li>GOOGL</li>
<li>AMD</li>
<li>META</li>
</ul>
Data from <a href="https://swaggystocks.com/dashboard/wallstreetbets/ticker-sentiment">https://swaggystocks.com/dashboard/wallstreetbets/ticker-sentiment</a>
&nbsp;

Trading Ideas

CVNA

GOOGL

LUNR

Top 10 Trending Stocks On WallStreetBets As Of February 19, 2025 (Via Swaggy Stocks)

Major U.S. indices closed higher on Tuesday, with the Nasdaq gaining 0.07% to 20,041.26 and the S&amp;P 500 edging up 0.2% to 6,129.58. The Dow Jones Industrial Average inched up 0.02% to 44,556.34.
These are the top stocks that gained the attention of retail traders and investors throughout the day.
Palantir Technologies Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>)
Palantir Technologies saw a rise of 4.58%, closing at $124.62. The stock hit an intraday high of $125 and a low of $118.43, with a 52-week range between $15.67 and $125. U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43796040/marjorie-taylor-greene-discloses-new-stock-trades-palantir-purchase">disclosed purchasing Palantir shares</a>, sparking discussions about potential conflicts of interest due to her political connections.
Intel Corporation&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>)
Intel Corporation shares surged 16.06% to close at $27.39, reaching a high of $27.55 and a low of $24.49. Its 52-week range is $18.51 to $46.63. The stock climbed after reports that Broadcom and TSMC are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/02/43793256/intel-shares-are-surging-today-whats-going-on">considering acquiring parts</a> of Intel&#8217;s operations, including chip design and manufacturing facilities.
Arista Networks, Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ANET#NYSE">ANET</a>)
Arista Networks rose 3.92%, closing at $111.06, with an intraday high of $112.12 and a low of $108.25. The stock&#8217;s 52-week range is $60.08 to $133.57. The increase came after the company reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43797762/arista-networks-q4-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-strong-guidance-and-more">fourth-quarter financial results</a>. Revenue came in at $1.93 billion beating analyst estimates while adjusted earnings per share of 65 cents also exceeded expectations. 
Occidental Petroleum Corporation&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OXY#NYSE">OXY</a>)
Occidental Petroleum shares edged up 1.62% to $48.84, with a high of $49.14 and a low of $47.91. The stock&#8217;s 52-week range is $45.17 to $71.19. The company reported&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43799173/occidental-petroleum-q4">mixed fourth-quarter results</a>, with earnings beating expectations but revenues falling short.
Tesla, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)
Tesla shares dipped 0.49%, closing at $354.11. The stock hit an intraday high of $359.10 and a low of $350.02, with a 52-week range of $138.8 to $488.54. A <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/02/43774671/tesla-bull-advises-ev-giant-investors-to-limit-emotion-tied-to-the-product-i-love-starbucks-but-i-wouldnt-own-sbux-stock">fund manager advised</a> investors to remain analytical about Tesla&#8217;s stock, emphasizing the importance of discipline over emotional attachment to the brand.
Image via Shutterstock
Prepare for the day&#8217;s trading <a href="https://editorial.benzinga.com/wp-admin/Premarket%20Movers%20&amp;%20News">with top premarket movers and news</a> by Benzinga.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43794325/jp-morgans-acquisition-of-student-loan-start-up-falls-out-founder-in-court-for-alleged-fraud-ceo-jamie-dimon-calls-it-a-huge-mistake">JPMorgan, Charlie Javice Case Takes Center Stage In Court This Week: Report</a></li>
</ul>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

Equities

Palantir, Intel, Arista, Occidental, And Tesla: Why Are These 5 Stocks On Investors' Radars Today

13 analysts have expressed a variety of opinions on Intel (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) over the past quarter, offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.
The following table encapsulates their recent ratings, offering a glimpse into the evolving sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Insights from analysts' 12-month price targets are revealed, presenting an average target of $22.31, a high estimate of $29.00, and a low estimate of $20.00. Observing a downward trend, the current average is 5.55% lower than the prior average price target of $23.62. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1739912482_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Interpreting Analyst Ratings: A Closer Look</h2>
A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Intel is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Prisco</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$29.00</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Harlan Sur</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
<td>$26.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ruben Roy</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$21.00</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>William Stein</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$21.00</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aaron Rakers</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$28.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Prisco</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Suji Desilva</td>
<td>Roth MKM</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hans Mosesmann</td>
<td>Rosenblatt</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Sell</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Timothy Arcuri</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
<td>$26.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christopher Danely</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$21.00</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tom O'Malley</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vijay Rakesh</td>
<td>Mizuho</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$21.00</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vivek Arya</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Underperform</td>
<td>$21.00</td>
<td>$21.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to Intel. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analysts assign qualitative assessments to stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey the analysts' expectations for the relative performance of Intel compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts gauge the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Intel's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Navigating through these analyst evaluations alongside other financial indicators can contribute to a holistic understanding of Intel's market standing. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/INTC/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Intel analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Delving into Intel's Background</h2>
Intel is a leading digital chipmaker, focused on the design and manufacturing of microprocessors for the global personal computer and data center markets. Intel pioneered the x86 architecture for microprocessors and was the prime proponent of Moore's law for advances in semiconductor manufacturing. Intel remains the market share leader in central processing units in both the PC and server end markets. Intel has also been expanding into new adjacencies, such as communications infrastructure, automotive, and the Internet of Things. Further, Intel expects to leverage its chip manufacturing capabilities into an outsourced foundry model where it constructs chips for others.
<h3>Financial Milestones: Intel's Journey</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Falling below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization reflects a reduced size compared to peers. This positioning may be influenced by factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
Revenue Growth: Intel's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has faced challenges. As of 31 December, 2024, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately -7.44%. This indicates a decrease in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Information Technology sector.
Net Margin: Intel's net margin lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maintaining strong profitability. With a net margin of -0.88%, the company may face hurdles in effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Intel's ROE is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of -0.13%, the company may encounter challenges in delivering satisfactory returns for shareholders.
Return on Assets (ROA): Intel's ROA falls below industry averages, indicating challenges in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of -0.06%, the company may face hurdles in generating optimal returns from its assets.
Debt Management: Intel's debt-to-equity ratio surpasses industry norms, standing at 0.5. This suggests the company carries a substantial amount of debt, posing potential financial challenges.
<h2>The Basics of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Analysts are specialists within banking and financial systems that typically report for specific stocks or within defined sectors. These people research company financial statements, sit in conference calls and meetings, and speak with relevant insiders to determine what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts will rate each stock once a quarter. 
Some analysts also offer predictions for helpful metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates to provide further guidance as to what to do with certain tickers. It is important to keep in mind that while stock and sector analysts are specialists, they are also human and can only forecast their beliefs to traders.
Breaking: Wall Street's Next Big Mover
Benzinga's #1 analyst just identified a stock poised for explosive growth. This under-the-radar company could surge 200%+ as major market shifts unfold. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/turning-point-trader-checkout-2/?t=Tu1tu3arja3be22tu36&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for urgent details</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Analyst Ratings

What 13 Analyst Ratings Have To Say About Intel

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) disclosed buying stock in a handful of public companies including Palantir Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>). The latest purchase disclosed Friday could lead to more scrutiny of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/congress-trading">Congress Trading activity.</a>
What Happened: Greene is one of the most well-known members of Congress and her close relationship with President Donald Trump and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/02/43452092/musk-doge-partner-marjorie-taylor-green-goes-after-npr-pbs-is-the-department-of-education-next">growing relationship with </a>billionaire Elon Musk, leader of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, could give her an inside track on how the White House administration will delegate new and existing deals.
The congresswoman went several years without disclosing new stock purchases before unveiling a handful in May 2024. That disclosure has been followed up with trades <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42747345/marjorie-taylor-green-went-christmas-shopping-for-stocks-heres-what-she-bought-before-holiday">every month or two</a>, including the most recent trades made in February 2025, as reported by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/members/marjorie-taylor-greene">Benzinga's Government Trades page.</a>
Here are the latest stocks bought by Greene, with each transaction totaling $1,000 to $15,000 in size.
<ul>
<li>Adobe Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADBE#NASDAQ">ADBE</a>)</li>
<li>Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)</li>
<li>Devon Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVN#NYSE">DVN</a>)</li>
<li>Goldman Sachs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>)</li>
<li>Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>)</li>
<li>Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>)</li>
<li>Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)</li>
<li>Norfolk Southern (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NSC#NYSE">NSC</a>)</li>
<li>Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>)</li>
<li>United Parcel Service (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPS#NYSE">UPS</a>)</li>
</ul>
Several of the trades made by Greene could raise red flags as conflicts of interest given her congressional committee assignments. Greene is a member of the following committees:
<ul>
<li>House Committee on Oversight and Accountability: Chairwoman, Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.)</li>
<li>House Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability</li>
</ul>
Greene has made trades in technology stocks before, which could influence her role in the subcommittee on counterterrorism and intelligence.
Benzinga contacted Greene for comment on this story and she had not responded at the time of publication. 
One of the newest trades could represent the largest potential conflict of interest: Palantir Technologies is a company that regularly lands government contracts. As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Greene could have an inside track on upcoming contracts with Palantir.
Did You Know?
<ul>
<li>Congress Is Making Huge Investments. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent021825">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
</ul>
Why It's Important: Greene is not the only member of Congress betting on Palantir Technologies stock. Three other members of Congress have bought the stock in recent weeks.
Here are the other members of Congress who disclosed buying Palantir stock, with each purchase valued at $1,000 to $15,000 according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/securities/PLTR">Benzinga's Government Trades data.</a>
<ul>
<li>Gilbert Ray Cisneros (D-Calif.)</li>
<li>James Comer (R-Ky.)</li>
<li>Julie Johnson (D-Texas)</li>
</ul>
Palantir has ties to the Trump administration, with multiple founders of the company supporting the president, including Peter Thiel, who served as a venture capital mentor to Vice President J.D. Vance.
Several Palantir co-founders have been supportive of the work being done by D.O.G.E. and Musk, which could lead to the company receiving deals to help improve efficiency and government spending in the future.
Greene ranked 23rd among members of Congress with a 30.2% trading return in 2024 according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42860759/10-best-stock-traders-in-congress-in-2024-where-do-nancy-pelosi-pete-sessions-susan-collins-marjorie-taylor-greene-rank">an annual report</a> from Unusual Whales.
Calls to ban members of Congress from buying and selling stocks have risen in recent years, but no public congressional vote has taken place on the measure.
PLTR Price Action: Palantir Technologies stock is up 3.44% to $123.26 on Tuesday. The stock hit a new all-time high of $125 earlier in Tuesday's trading session. Palantir stock is up over 420% in the last year.
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</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Politics

ADBE

Marjorie Taylor Greene Discloses New Stock Trades: Is Palantir Purchase Conflict Of Interest For Committee Assignments?

Intel shares are trading higher amid reports suggesting Broadcom and TSMC are considering bids for portions of the company. It Was also reported that Silver Lake is nearing a deal for a stake in the company's Altera unit.

<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-18/silver-lake-is-near-deal-for-stake-in-intel-s-altera-unit?srnd=homepage-europe" title="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-18/silver-lake-is-near-deal-for-stake-in-intel-s-altera-unit?srnd=homepage-europe">https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-18/silver-lake-is-near-deal-for-stake-in-intel-s-altera-unit?srnd=homepage-europe</a>

'Silver Lake Nears Deal for Stake in Intel's Altera Unit' - Bloomberg News

U.S. stocks were lower, with the Dow Jones falling around 100 points on Tuesday.
Shares of Watsco Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WSO#NYSE">WSO</a>) rose sharply during Tuesday's session after the company reported better-than-<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WSO/earnings">expected fourth-quarter EPS and revenue.</a>
Watsco reported quarterly earnings of $2.37 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $2.16 per share. The company reported quarterly sales of $1.75 billion which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $1.66 billion.
Watsco shares jumped 8.7% to $525.81 on Tuesday.
Here are some other big stocks recording gains in today's session.
<ul>
<li>GCL Global Holdings Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GCL#NASDAQ">GCL</a>) shares jumped 52% to $4.50.</li>
<li>GeneDx Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WGS#NASDAQ">WGS</a>) gained 26.5% to $96.57 after the company issued FY25 revenue guidance above consensus estimates.</li>
<li>WeRide Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WRD#NASDAQ">WRD</a>) gained 26.1% to $39.72.</li>
<li>Allogene Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALLO#NASDAQ">ALLO</a>) gained 23% to $2.51.</li>
<li>Pagaya Technologies Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PGY#NASDAQ">PGY</a>) surged 19.5% to $18.36.</li>
<li>Oscar Health Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OSCR#NYSE">OSCR</a>) climbed 16.6% to $15.70.</li>
<li>Zai Lab Ltd – ADR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZLAB#NASDAQ">ZLAB</a>) gained 12.5% to $32.64. Zai Lab will announce fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results and provide recent corporate updates on Feb. 27, 2025.</li>
<li>H&amp;E Equipment Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HEES#NASDAQ">HEES</a>) gained 12.4% to $98.12. H&amp;E Equipment Services received superior proposal from Herc Holdings Inc.</li>
<li>Super Micro Computer Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) gained 12.3% to $53.80 amid positive sentiment ahead of its annual report filing deadline on Feb 25. The shares are also rising following its upbeat FY2026 revenue projection last week.</li>
<li>Recursion Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RXRX#NASDAQ">RXRX</a>) gained 12% to $11.79.</li>
<li>Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) gained 9.7% to $25.88 amid reports suggesting Broadcom and TSMC are considering bids for portions of the company.</li>
<li>Moderna Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) gained 7.5% to $35.48.</li>
</ul>
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</ul>

Intraday Update

Movers

ALLO

HEES

MRNA

OSCR

RXRX

ZLAB

Watsco Posts Upbeat Results, Joins GeneDx, Intel And Other Big Stocks Moving Higher On Tuesday

Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) shares are trading higher Tuesday after reports emerged that Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) are considering acquiring <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43791431/whats-driving-markets-tuesday">portions of the company.</a>
What To Know: The Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43761300/intel-could-be-split-in-two-as-broadcom-and-tsmc-">reported</a> that Broadcom is exploring a bid for Intel's chip design and marketing operations, while TSMC is looking into acquiring some or all of Intel's manufacturing facilities through an investor consortium or another arrangement.
Intel stock has been gaining after a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43761300/intel-could-be-split-in-two-as-broadcom-and-tsmc-explore-deals-trump-white-house-resists-foreign-ownership-report">prior report</a> suggested the Trump administration is pushing for TSMC to acquire a 20% stake in Intel's foundry services business as part of its efforts to strengthen domestic semiconductor production. The investment could be in the form of direct cash infusion or technology support.
Despite a 16.7% gain this year, Intel's stock has fallen nearly 47% over the past year due to concerns over its uncertain turnaround strategy and struggles in the AI market. The company has faced financial challenges, leading to layoffs and a suspended dividend.
Investors grew optimistic after Vice President JD Vance stated at an AI conference in Paris that the Trump administration intends to implement policies ensuring AI chips are designed and produced in the U.S.
Intel is currently searching for a new CEO and working to stabilize production with its 18A manufacturing process technology node.
INTC Price Action: Intel shares were up 10.9% at $26.18 at the time of writing, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro.</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent021825&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="527" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/18131507/Screenshot-2025-02-18-at-13.14.40-1024x527.png" alt="" class="wp-image-787502" style="width:469px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/18131507/Screenshot-2025-02-18-at-13.14.40-1024x527.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/18131507/Screenshot-2025-02-18-at-13.14.40-300x154.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/18131507/Screenshot-2025-02-18-at-13.14.40-768x395.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/18131507/Screenshot-2025-02-18-at-13.14.40.png 1524w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
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Image Via Shutterstock.

Intel Shares Are Surging Today: What's Going On?

Needham analyst Charles Shi reiterated Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) with a Buy and a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TSM/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">$225&nbsp;price target</a>.
In conjunction with Shi&#8217;s Taiwan Semiconductor note on a pro forma analysis of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43761300/intel-could-be-split-in-two-as-broadcom-and-tsmc-explore-deals-trump-white-house-resists-foreign-ownership-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">contract chipmaker&#8217;s potential acquisition</a> of Intel Corp&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) Intel Foundry, the analyst noted through the implications for Semiconductor Capital Equipment (Semicap) and Electronic Design Automation&nbsp;(EDA) and concluded that the takeover will inevitably lead to capital efficiency, which is a long-term negative for semicap.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43708265/ciscos-ai-expansion-and-cloud-growth-drive-analyst-upgrades-and-price-hikes-citing-growth-like-extreme-juniper" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cisco&#8217;s AI Expansion and Cloud Growth Drive Analyst Upgrades And Price Hikes, Citing Growth Like Extreme &amp; Juniper</a>
Also, post-closing, the Taiwanese chipmaker will likely pursue capital expenditure synergies to improve Intel Foundry&#8217;s cash flow and maximize equipment reuse, especially in lithography, process control, hybrid bonding, and potential cancellation of specific programs such as high-NA EUV.
Post-closing, Taiwan Semiconductor will likely cancel specific Intel Foundry programs, such as building its own EDA/IP ecosystem, which could reduce IP purchases from EDA companies.
The analyst notes that Taiwan Semiconductor will migrate Intel Products onto the Taiwanese contract chipmaker&#8217;s processes starting from 14A node. A majority of the Intel Foundry fabs will become &#8220;orphan&#8221; fabs, which will eventually be sold by Taiwan Semiconductor, resulting in reduced demand for mature-node semicap equipment.
Overall, Shi noted that Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s taking over Intel Foundry may be a net negative for the small-cap and EDA industries, at least in the near—to medium-term.
The analyst writes that if the takeover materialized, ASML Holding (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>), KLA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>), Synopsys, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNPS#NASDAQ">SNPS</a>), and Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CDNS#NASDAQ">CDNS</a>) would feel more near-term pain than peers.
Shi noted that Intel&#8217;s aggressively pushing high-NA EUV program may be canceled or scaled back, given Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s lack of interest in high-NA and the technical limitations of high-NA EUV in printing large dies essential for AI chips.
This is a direct negative to ASML, which depends more on the pricing uplift of high NA EUV to generate top-line growth as overall litho intensity plateaus.
The analyst noted Taiwan Semiconductor will be unable to backfill Intel Foundry&#8217;s old fabs with its volume due to significant process and toolset differences. Instead, Taiwan Semiconductor may reuse Intel Foundry tools when the tool configurations are standardized and not customized.
Shi noted an excellent opportunity for Taiwan Semiconductor to reuse Intel&#8217;s existing lithography and process control equipment fleet, as those tools are rarely customized to a specific customer.
This is a direct negative read for ASML and KLA Corp, which shipped a decent volume to Intel during the Intel IDM 2.0 era.
The EDA industry benefited from Intel Foundry over the past two years as Intel ramped up spending on its foundry ecosystem, especially on building an IP ecosystem that allows customers to easily port designs from Taiwan Semiconductor to Intel Foundry.
Intel&#8217;s significant investment in creating a baseline IP ecosystem has juiced up Synopsys and Cadence Design Systems&#8217; IP revenue growth.
However, if Taiwan Semiconductor takes over Intel Foundry, Shi noted that ecosystem spending will likely be cut. As such, Shi noted potential downside risks to Synopsys and Cadence Design Systems&#8217; IP revenue growth in 2025 and beyond.
Price Action: TSM stock is down 0.83% at $202.21 at last check Tuesday.
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Photo by Jack Hong via Shutterstock

Price Target

Reiteration

CDNS

SNPS

Taiwan Semiconductor's Intel Foundry Acquisition Could Be Negative For ASML, KLA, Synopsys, And Cadence: Analyst

Shares of Intel Corporation&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) are trading higher Tuesday. There is talk that both Broadcom (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) are considering <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43761300/intel-could-be-split-in-two-as-broadcom-and-tsmc-explore-deals-trump-white-house-resists-foreign-ownership-report">deals that would lead them to buy parts of Intel.</a>
There is a chance that Intel breaks out and continues to move higher. This is why our team of trading experts has made it our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stock-of-the-day">Stock of the Day</a>.
Stocks trend higher when there are more shares to be bought than there are to be sold. People who wish to buy are forced to pay premiums and outbid other investors and traders who also wish to buy. This forces the shares into an uptrend.
Resistance is a price level where there is a large amount of sell interest. There are as many if not more shares for sale than there are to be bought. This is why rallies end or pause when they reach resistance levels.
One of the main reasons why resistance forms in a market is because of regretful buyers. These are traders and investors who regret their decisions to buy if the price falls. Some decide that if the stock gets back to the buying price, they will sell.
This will allow them to exit their positions at breakeven.
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Resistance tends to form at price levels that have previously been support or resistance. As you can see on the chart below, this is the case with Intel.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="546" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/18130642/118-1024x546.png" alt="" class="wp-image-787477" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/18130642/118-1024x546.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/18130642/118-300x160.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/18130642/118-768x410.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/18130642/118.png 1519w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Last October, the $22.00 level was support. After the support broke in December, many who bought around $22.00 decided they made a mistake and vowed to get out of their positions at breakeven if they could.
So, when the stock rallied back to $22.00 in January, they placed sell orders. The large concentration of these sell orders formed resistance at the price that had been support.
Intel is currently testing resistance around $26.25. There is resistance here because it was a peak in November. Many of the people who bought at this peak regretted doing so when the price dropped right after.
Now that Intel is back to this price, many of these remorseful buyers are placing sell orders so they can get out at breakeven. This has created resistance at a former resistance level.
If Intel can clear this level, it would show that the people who created the resistance are out of the way. New buyers may have to outbid each other, and this may end up forcing the price higher.
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Image: Shutterstock

Technicals

Stock Of The Day: Will Intel Breakout And Rally?

Major U.S. indices are little-changed in Tuesday's midday trading as investors monitor recent geopolitical developments and anticipate the release of the latest FOMC<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43784079/us-stocks-mixed-ny-state-business-activity-rises-in-february"> minutes on Wednesday.</a>
U.S. and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia Tuesday <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43787369/us-russian-officials-begin-ukraine-peace-talks-defense-sector-stocks-rise">to begin</a> peace negotiations, marking their first high-level talks on the war in Ukraine since Russia&#8217;s invasion in 2022. The initial talks were intended as "trust-building" and could lay the groundwork for a future meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian and other European officials were notably absent from Tuesday's discussions. 
WTI crude oil futures held steady as diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Russia raised hopes for reduced geopolitical risks. 
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The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note rose 0.04%, back above the 4.5% threshold as investors digested recent comments from Fed officials, including Christopher Waller, Michelle Bowman and Patrick Harker, which reinforced expectations that interest rates will remain on hold in the near term.  
All eyes will be on Wednesday's release of the latest FOMC's minutes set for 2 p.m. ET. The iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>) fell 0.57% to $88.64.&nbsp;
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) was down 1.16% to $94,672 as crypto markets fell broadly Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday's Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1 day % chg.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>20,000.73</td>
<td>-0.12%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>6,115.46</td>
<td>0.01%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>44,454.56</td>
<td>-0.19%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,288.09</td>
<td>0.36%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
According to Benzinga Pro data:
<ul>
<li>The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) inched up 0.1% to $610.31.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) was down 0.17% at $445.03.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The tech-heavy Invesco QQQ Trust Series (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) rose 0.04% to $538.36.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) eased 0.44% to $226.97.</li>
<li>The Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLY#NYSE">XLY</a>) dipped 0.53% to $225.81.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) rose 0.95% to $90.93.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday's Stock Movers:&nbsp;</h2>
Shares of Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) surged following reports suggesting Broadcom, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43775200/intel-jumps-over-5-in-tuesday-pre-market-as-deal-talks-with-broadcom-and-tsmc-surface">considering bids</a> for portions of the company.
Stocks reacting to company earnings reports included:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Constellation Energy Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CEG#NASDAQ">CEG</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FELE#NASDAQ">FELE</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Watsco, Inc.&nbsp; (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WSO#NYSE">WSO</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXSM#NASDAQ">AXSM</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DFIN#NYSE">DFIN</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Fluor Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FLR#NYSE">FLR</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Medtronic Plc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDT#NYSE">MDT</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>GeneDx Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WGS#NASDAQ">WGS</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Entergy Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ETR#NYSE">ETR</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>iQIYI, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IQ#NASDAQ">IQ</a>)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Companies reporting after Tuesday's closing bell include:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Occidental Petroleum Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OXY#NYSE">OXY</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Matador Resources Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTDR#NYSE">MTDR</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Devon Energy Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVN#NYSE">DVN</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Bumble, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMBL#NASDAQ">BMBL</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Sonoco Products Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SON#NYSE">SON</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TOL#NYSE">TOL</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBLK#NASDAQ">SBLK</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Shift4 Payments, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FOUR#NYSE">FOUR</a>)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Matador Resources Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTDR#NYSE">MTDR</a>)</li>
</ul>
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Image: Shutterstock.

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Date	Put/Call	Strike Price	Exp Date	DTE	Trade Vol	Day Vol	Vol / OI	OI	Trade Type	Sentiment
11:01 AMFeb 21, 2025	PUT	$25.00	Jun 20, 2025	117	21	3000	0	15556	TRADE	BULLISH
03:20 PMFeb 20, 2025	CALL	$20.00	Mar 28, 2025	33	1162	1145	83	1408	TRADE	BEARISH
12:06 PMFeb 20, 2025	CALL	$29.00	Jun 20, 2025	117	99	5000	4	2571	TRADE	BEARISH
03:44 PMFeb 19, 2025	CALL	$30.00	May 16, 2025	82	9484	3425	37	25390	TRADE	BULLISH
12:50 PMFeb 18, 2025	CALL	$23.00	Jun 20, 2025	117	11043	1070	68	16338	TRADE	BULLISH
09:58 AMFeb 14, 2025	CALL	$20.00	Mar 21, 2025	26	28578	1387	47	60773	TRADE	NEUTRAL