11 Best Data Center Stocks To Buy According to Analysts

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04. Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC)

Upside Potential: 63.00%

Latest Average Share Price Target: $32.04

Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) is a leading player in the data center sector, and despite some short-term challenges, its strategic positioning and robust portfolio make it a compelling investment. Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) focus on data centers is evident through its expansive range of products and innovations designed to enhance computing performance and efficiency. Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) Q2 2024 earnings call highlighted both progress and challenges. The company reported revenue of $12.8 billion, a slight increase sequentially but down 1% year-over-year. The gross margin for the quarter was 38.7%, with earnings per share (EPS) coming in at $0.02, below expectations. Despite these setbacks, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) forward-looking strategies and financial metrics underscore its long-term potential in the data center market.

A significant driver of Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) future growth is its commitment to advancing its data center technologies. The launch of Intel’s Xeon 6 processors and upcoming Clearwater Forest products exemplifies the company’s focus on improving server performance. Xeon 6, which features E-core processors, offers up to 25% better performance per watt compared to competitors, demonstrating Intel’s capacity to deliver high-efficiency solutions for data centers. Intel’s emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing is also noteworthy. The introduction of its Core Ultra and Lunar Lake AI PCs, which have already doubled in volume sequentially, showcases Intel’s leadership in integrating AI capabilities into its product lines. These advancements not only cater to current market demands but also position Intel favorably for future growth. The company’s operational improvements are aimed at enhancing profitability and capital efficiency. Intel plans to reduce operating expenses by over $10 billion by 2025, reflecting a strategic shift towards greater cost discipline. Additionally, the company’s decision to cut capital expenditures by 20% in 2024 and 2025 demonstrates a prudent approach to managing resources amidst a fluctuating market.

Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) investments in cutting-edge process technologies, such as Intel 18A and Intel 4, are crucial for maintaining its competitive edge. The company’s aggressive node development schedule and commitment to process leadership promise to deliver significant long-term benefits, driving increased efficiency and cost savings. Overall, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) strategic initiatives, coupled with its innovations in data center technologies, make it a strong candidate for investors looking to capitalize on the growth of the data center sector. Despite current profitability pressures, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) long-term outlook and commitment to advancing technology position it well for future success.

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