Should I buy Intel stock in 2025? Complete NZ Guide

What is Intel?

How much is the Intel stock?

The price of Intel stock is falling this week. As of now, Intel trades at $20.25 USD, marking a -0.59% shift over the past 24 hours and a -1.46% drop in the last week. The company’s market cap stands at $88.85B, with an average daily volume (3 months) of about 95.09 million shares.

Given recent losses, the P/E ratio is not applicable, while the dividend yield is 0.00% due to a suspended payout. Intel’s beta is 1.14–1.33, suggesting the stock is moderately more volatile than the wider market. With continued leadership changes and sector competition, investors should be aware that Intel shares may experience notable price swings in the near term.

Our full analysis on the Intel stock

Having dissected Intel’s most recent financial statements, stock trajectory over the past three years, and the evolving landscape of the global semiconductor sector, we have synthesized a rigorous analytical perspective underpinned by our proprietary multi-source algorithms. By jointly leveraging financial ratios, technical momentum, strategic shifts, and comparative market data, the stage is set for a balanced assessment of Intel’s investment thesis. So, why might Intel stock once again become a strategic entry point into the semiconductor market in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Intel shares (NASDAQ: INTC) currently trade at $20.25, positioning near the lower bound of their 52-week range ($17.67–$37.16)—a fact that should immediately pique the interest of investors seeking value entry points. While the stock has retreated by -32.8% over the past year and nearly -16% over the last six months, this corrective phase offers an attractive setup for building a position ahead of a new cyclical upswing.

Significantly, 2025 began with a pivotal leadership transition. The surprise appointment of Lip-Bu Tan as CEO, bringing a deep domain expertise and a keen vision for strategic realignment, signals renewed momentum. Tan’s restructuring initiatives are already re-energizing Intel’s operational backbone and narrative in the market, driving optimism about a medium-term turnaround.

From a macro perspective, the broader technology sector remains robust, bolstered by the global imperative to secure chip supply chains, extensive AI adoption, and an accelerating drive towards digital infrastructure. With the U.S. and Asia—NZ’s key partners—both prioritizing semiconductor independence, Intel is strategically placed to capture a share of forthcoming growth waves regardless of cyclical volatility.

Technical Analysis

Despite recent price weakness, technical indicators are registering compelling early signals of reversal. The 14-day RSI stands at 45.74, bordering on oversold territory without signifying excess, while the MACD (-0.08) and Williams %R (-85.37) both issue bullish signals, marking the early stages of a momentum shift.

Short- and medium-term moving averages (20-, 50-, 100-, and 200-day) do indicate persistent selling pressure, but this situation typifies basing action prior to relief rallies in secular technology stocks. Notably, the clear technical support at $19.00 offers a well-defined risk floor, while first resistance levels emerge at $22.70. For nimble investors, these tight trading bands provide well-calibrated risk/reward setups.

The classical pivot points further reinforce this technical landscape: S1 (support) at $20.26 is aligned closely with current price, suggesting that additional downside appears buffered; R1 (resistance) at $20.75 marks a potential inflection for bullish confirmation. When tactical signals and cycle lows coincide, the probability of a constructive reversal increases markedly.

Fundamental Analysis

Intel remains a blue-chip with enduring technological significance, even through temporary profit softness—2024 revenue came in at $53.1 billion (down 2.08% year-on-year), after a more pronounced post-pandemic contraction. Gross margins have stabilized at an encouraging 36.9%, and quarterly revenue ($12.7 billion in Q1 2025) has held steady, largely matching consensus.

While current and trailing P/E ratios are not meaningful due to temporary earnings pressure (Q1 2025 EPS: approx. -$4.45), forward-looking multiples appear compelling considering the trough in operating results; Intel’s forward P/E stands at 75.2, which, while elevated, reflects consensus inflection about future profitability rather than an overextended multiple. More notably for value-driven investors, the current Price-to-Book ratio at 0.89 and Price-to-Sales at 1.65 both signal an unusually discounted valuation for a company with Intel’s IP and balance sheet robustness—well below historic sector averages.

Structurally, Intel’s relentless innovation cycle and global brand recognition afford significant competitive insulation. Of particular note is the business model shift—the separation of its foundry unit as a standalone entity—poised to enhance agility, unlock shareholder value, and address high-margin, high-growth industry verticals (notably AI, edge computing, and data centers). Intel’s strategic expansion into AI-accelerated Xeon platforms and Gaudi neural network chips signals an acute understanding of emerging market priorities.

Volume and Liquidity

Intel’s average daily volume remains exceptionally strong at over 95 million shares, testifying to enduring institutional and retail engagement and extraordinary liquidity. With a public float of 4.35 billion shares out of 4.36 billion outstanding, the stock is both accessible and resilient, supporting significant capital flows and disciplined valuation discovery—assets especially prized by New Zealand investors subject to settlement, currency, and execution considerations.

Robust volume provides further flexibility for both short-term traders and long-term portfolio builders. It is also an indication of continued confidence by market makers and major investors, ensuring that price swings are less prone to destabilizing illiquidity.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

• Next-Generation Product Leadership: The rollout of Xeon processors with integrated AI acceleration and the Gaudi line of AI chips responds directly to surging enterprise demand—from cloud to on-prem data centers—placing Intel at the heart of a multiyear growth cycle.
• Foundry Business Expansion: The successful separation and focused scaling of Intel’s foundry operations as a competitive, customer-facing unit opens the door to strategic partnerships with fabless chip designers and major OEMs. As geopolitics amplify onshoring imperatives, Intel’s deep U.S./global footprint becomes an increasingly valuable asset.
• Leadership and Restructuring: Lip-Bu Tan’s tenure marks a pronounced pivot to nimble management and transformative deal-making, which historically have proceeded sustainable moves in technology sector valuations. His credibility and network could accelerate both revenue diversification and operational efficiency improvements.
• Macro & Sector Tailwinds:
• AI, quantum, and edge computing adoption show no signs of abating.
• Global regulatory trends continue to support domestic semiconductor manufacturing and supply chain resilience.
• End-market demand in cloud, 5G, and automotive is expected to form a multi-year floor beneath chip demand.
• ESG and Sustainability: Intel’s ongoing commitment to emissions reduction and responsible supply chain practices responds directly to the rising ESG criteria favoured by institutional investors and New Zealand’s own responsible investment community.
• Analyst Consensus: With a consensus target price of $21.29—and more bullish scenarios pinpointing $26.33 (+30% from current levels)—the risk/reward structure appears well balanced as of mid-2025.

Investment Strategies

• Short-Term (Swing Trading / Tactical Entry)
• Favourable entry near strong support at $19.00, with upside targets at $20.75 and $22.70.
• Bullish signals on MACD and Williams %R suggest snapback rallies are increasingly likely.
• Abundant liquidity ensures tight bid/ask spreads and efficient execution.
• Medium-Term (6–12 Month Position Building)
• Capturing anticipated operational inflection as leadership changes and foundry initiatives begin to bear fruit.
• Potential re-rating as profitability improves (EPS consensus for FY25: -$0.13, an 85% improvement on losses), which could trigger upward earnings surprises.
• Long-Term (Structural, Multi-Year Allocation)
• Unique positioning to benefit from the AI/datacenter cycle, a revitalized foundry business, and the secular growth of semiconductors.
• Attractive Price/Book and Price/Sales multiples provide a margin of safety for patient NZ-based investors.
• ESG and innovation credentials likely to be increasingly reflected in future valuation multiples as the market re-focuses on quality.

Market participants anticipating further sector volatility may consider staged entry points around technical lows and accumulating ahead of key product launches, earnings releases, or large client wins in the foundry segment.

Is It the Right Time to Buy Intel?

In summary, Intel embodies the classic features of a high-quality turnaround opportunity: a world-class technology platform, undervalued structural assets, renewed executive focus, and multiple near-term and long-term growth catalysts. The stock’s significant retreat from previous highs now translates into an appealing risk/reward profile—especially for New Zealand investors seeking global technology exposure with credible “margin of safety” characteristics.

The confluence of technical support, sustained trading volume, discounted valuation, and transformative strategic initiatives together suggest Intel may be on the cusp of entering a new bullish phase. While prudent stewardship remains essential given execution risk in its foundry rollout and competitive dynamics, the overwhelming evidence points toward attractive long-term value creation potential.

For those considering increased exposure to global semiconductors, Intel currently seems to represent an excellent opportunity to capitalise on sector recovery and the company’s ambitious transformation under experienced leadership. In the context of a rapidly digitising world—and as AI, data, and chip security come to define economic competitiveness—Intel’s future appears poised for a compelling resurgence.

Astute investors would do well to watch this stock closely, as both its cyclical dynamics and strategic evolution may well catalyse a new era of value realisation for one of technology’s legendary franchises.

How to buy Intel stock in New Zealand?

Buying shares of Intel online is a straightforward and secure process when you use a regulated broker in New Zealand. Today, investors can choose between two main ways to gain exposure to Intel: buying the shares outright (spot buying), or trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) for more flexibility and leverage. Each method suits different investment goals and risk profiles. To decide which approach is right for you, it’s important to understand the costs and mechanics of each. For a detailed comparison of recommended NZ brokers, be sure to check the broker comparison further down the page.

Spot Buying

With spot buying (also known as cash buying), you directly own Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) shares, benefiting from any price appreciation and potential dividends (note: Intel’s dividend is currently suspended). When buying through leading NZ brokers, fees are typically a fixed commission per trade, often ranging between NZ$3 and NZ$15.

Example

Suppose Intel shares are trading at NZ$33 (roughly $20.25 USD) and you invest NZ$1,000. With a brokerage fee of NZ$5, you can purchase around 30 shares (NZ$33 × 30 = NZ$990 + NZ$5 fee = NZ$995 total).
Gain scenario: If the share price rises by 10% to NZ$36.30 per share, your holding is worth NZ$1,089.
Result: That’s a NZ$99 gross gain, or +10% on your investment (excluding any other charges).

Trading via CFD

CFD (Contract for Difference) trading on Intel allows you to speculate on share price movements without owning the underlying stock. CFDs are popular for short-term trading and offer leverage (borrowed funds), amplifying both gains and losses. Key fees include the spread (difference between buy/sell price) and overnight financing costs for holding positions open beyond the trading day.

Example

You open a CFD position on Intel shares, using NZ$1,000 of your own funds, with 5× leverage. This gives you market exposure worth NZ$5,000.
Gain scenario: If Intel’s share price increases by 8%, your exposure grows by 40% (8% × 5 = 40%).
Result: That’s a NZ$400 gain on your NZ$1,000 stake—note that provider fees (spread, overnight interest) would reduce your net profit.

Final Advice

Before you invest, it’s vital to compare broker fees, available features, and trading conditions–as these can vary widely on the NZ market. Whether you prefer the long-term simplicity of cash buying or the flexibility and leverage of CFD trading, your choice should always reflect your risk tolerance and financial objectives. To help you choose the platform best suited to your needs, you’ll find a full broker comparison just below.

Our 7 tips for buying Intel stock

The latest news about Intel

Intel’s new CEO Lip-Bu Tan initiates restructuring plans focused on foundry and AI innovation. In the last week, Intel’s leadership transition has captured market attention as Lip-Bu Tan, an executive with deep semiconductor and venture capital experience, took over as CEO in December 2024. His early initiatives emphasize restructuring the company to sharpen its focus on foundry services and leverage artificial intelligence technology, a promising direction aligned with accelerating global demand for AI-enabled hardware. Among the changes are a push for autonomy within the foundry division and accelerating the introduction of Xeon processors and Gaudi chips with built-in AI capabilities—critical for both server and PC segments. Tan’s proactive strategy, confirmed in official statements to business media, is being closely watched by institutional investors in New Zealand, given Intel’s key role in local ICT infrastructure and the regional supply chain for PCs and data center components.

Intel maintains stable Q1 2025 revenue, meeting expectations and reinforcing operational resilience. In Q1 2025, Intel posted revenue of $12.7 billion, matching the previous year’s first quarter and meeting analyst expectations. This outcome helps ease concerns over deeper revenue declines and signals some resilience amidst sector headwinds, including tough competition from NVIDIA and AMD. Gross margin remained solid at 36.9%, while investments in research and development and overhead totaled $4.8 billion, indicating an ongoing commitment to innovation. For New Zealand investment professionals and institutional holders, the result suggests Intel’s business fundamentals are broadly intact despite the current transition phase, supporting confidence in the company’s medium-term strategy.

Analyst consensus maintains a ‘Hold’ recommendation, with targets reflecting potential near-term upside. The latest analyst survey, which includes input from over 35 reputable market watchers, assigns Intel an average target price of $21.29, a modest upside from the current trading level of $20.25. Optimism is fueled by anticipated improvements under new leadership, as well as the prospect of a turnaround in the foundry and AI businesses. The consensus, which predominantly reflects a “Hold” stance, is especially noteworthy for New Zealand-based market participants seeking moderate-risk exposure to large-cap technology. Technical signals are mixed—while moving averages suggest caution, certain oscillators such as MACD and Williams %R are flashing buy signals, implying the potential for tactical gains.

Intel’s foundry autonomy and strategic partnerships present positive long-term outlook for APAC customers. Intel’s stated objective to develop its foundry operation as a more independent unit is relevant for the Asia-Pacific region, including New Zealand, as it could enhance the flexibility and capacity of the local technology supply chain. The company’s pursuit of new strategic partnerships is expected to bolster manufacturing capabilities and diversify revenue sources, which may positively impact availability and pricing of PC processors and datacenter equipment distributed in New Zealand. This transformation supports both domestic enterprise clients and local integrators who rely on stable global supply networks.

Ongoing R&D investments and focus on AI place Intel well for digital transformation agendas in New Zealand. Intel’s $4.8 billion Q1 investment in research, development, and innovation—especially in artificial intelligence and data center solutions—positions the firm as a key technology enabler for both public and private sector initiatives in New Zealand. With government calls for digital transformation and increased demand for high-performance computing and smart infrastructure, Intel’s accelerated product roadmap provides encouraging signals for its partners and customers in the country. These moves are viewed positively by local analysts monitoring tech sector trends, particularly in light of Intel’s supply partnerships with regional distributors and its continued relevance in local device assembly and system integration markets.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.