<div id="readability-page-1"><p>The battle for AI dominance is moving beyond just graphics chips, and Morgan Stanley is the latest firm to weigh in on the two biggest names in the chip space ahead of earnings. Top analyst Joseph Moore recently updated his view on <strong>Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)</strong> and <strong>Intel (INTC)</strong> with a clear preference for one over the other.</p><h3>Claim 30% Off TipRanks</h3><ul><li>Unlock  hedge fund-level data  and  powerful investing tools  for smarter, sharper decisions  </li><li> Discover top-performing stock ideas and upgrade to a portfolio of market leaders with  Smart Investor Picks  </li></ul> <p>Both companies are seeing rising demand as AI workloads increasingly rely on CPUs. However, Morgan Stanley said the opportunity is not the same for both, pointing to differences in product strength and execution.</p> <h2><strong>Server Strength Lifts Intel's Outlook, but Risks Remain</strong></h2> <p>Morgan Stanley maintained an Equal-weight rating on Intel but raised its price target to $56 from $41, indicating about 15% downside from current levels. To support its price boost, Morgan Stanley said that Intel could see higher earnings and stronger server demand. The firm raised Intel's data center revenue to grow about 30% year over year in 2026. It also raised its long-term earnings estimates, now sitting above Wall Street forecasts for the next two years.</p> <p>However, the firm remains cautious. Moore flagged concerns around Intel's server roadmap, noting that issues with its next-generation &#34;Diamond Rapids&#34; chip have been acknowledged by management. He also said the company's push into the foundry business still carries high uncertainty, and the chances of it turning into a meaningful profit driver are low.</p> <p>Looking ahead, Intel is scheduled to announce its results for the first-quarter 2025 after the market closes on Thursday, April 23. Analysts expect earnings of $0.01 per share, up 92% from the year-ago quarter, and revenues of about $12.39 billion, reflecting a 2.2% year-over-year decrease. </p> <h2><strong>Data Center Momentum Supports AMD's Position</strong></h2> <p>For AMD, Morgan Stanley also holds an Equal-weight rating with a $255 price target. Here, the price target signals about 7% downside from current levels. Even so, the firm clearly stated that between the two, &#34;We have a preference for AMD.&#34;</p> <p>The key reason is AMD's product leadership. Moore said the upcoming &#34;Venice&#34; processor is a strong upgrade and is likely to outperform Intel's offerings in the data center market. That said, the firm remains measured in its stance. It noted that AMD's stock can be volatile, pointing out that shares fell last quarter despite solid server performance. Morgan Stanley also added that AMD's stock is more likely to be driven by GPU performance than CPU gains alone.</p> <p>Looking ahead, AMD will report its Q1 FY26 earnings on Tuesday, May 5, after the market close. Analysts expect earnings of $1.27 per share, up 32% from a year ago, and revenue of about $9.85 billion, reflecting a 32% year-over-year increase. </p> <h2><strong>Which Chip Stock Is the Better Buy Right Now?</strong> </h2> <p>Turning to Wall Street, out of the two stocks mentioned above, AMD stands out with a Moderate Buy consensus from analysts. AMD stock carries an average price target of $287.33, implying roughly 4.50% upside from current levels.</p> <p>By contrast, Intel has a Hold rating from analysts. INTC's stock average price target of $55.47 suggests about 16% downside, pointing to more limited near-term upside compared with AMD.</p></div>

Intel's Q1 2026 earnings report will be released after the US stock market closes on Friday, April 24th (Beijing time), followed by a conference call at 5 PM.The three key areas to watch are the progress of its foundry business, its AI chip market share, and the mass production schedule for its 18A process. Can it deliver a turning point amidst the growing pains of transformation? Do you think this earnings report will be a buy signal or should we continue to wait and see？Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

<p>Intel's Q1 2026 earnings report will be released after the US stock market closes on Friday, April 24th (Beijing time), followed by a conference call at 5 PM.</p><p>The three key areas to watch are the progress of its foundry business, its AI chip market share, and the mass production schedule for its 18A process. Can it deliver a turning point amidst the growing pains of transformation? Do you think this earnings report will be a buy signal or should we continue to wait and see？</p><p>Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!</p>

Intel Q1 Earnings Ahead — Will the AI Story Deliver?

INTC

AMUU

AMDL

SOXQ

SOXX

INTW

SOXL

<p>Morgan Stanley has updated its views on Intel (INTC) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) ahead of their earnings reports. The firm maintains an Equal-weight rating on both, raising Intel's price target to $56, indicating a 15% downside, while expressing concerns about its server roadmap. For AMD, Morgan Stanley prefers it over Intel, with a price target of $255, signaling a 7% downside. Analysts expect AMD to report stronger earnings growth compared to Intel, with AMD receiving a Moderate Buy consensus and Intel a Hold rating.</p>

- Morgan Stanley has analyzed Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Intel (INTC), highlighting differences in growth potential amid rising AI demand.  
- Intel maintains an Equal-weight rating, raising its price target to $56 due to anticipated earnings growth but expressing concerns over its server roadmap and foundry challenges.  
- In contrast, Morgan Stanley prefers AMD for its product leadership and strong upcoming processor, with a price target of $255, signaling better investment potential compared to Intel's outlook.

Tip Ranks

Intel

Direxion Daily AMD Bull 2X Shares

GraniteShares 2x Long AMD Daily ETF

Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF

iShares Semiconductor ETF

GraniteShares 2x Long INTC Daily ETF

VanEck Semiconductor ETF

SPDR S&P Semicon

Direxion Semicon Bull 3X

Morgan Stanley

MORGAN STANLEY DEP SHS EA REP 1/1000 SHS NON CUM PFD O

MORGAN STANLEY DEP SHS REPSTG 1/1000TH PFD SER Q

MORGAN STANLEY DEP SHS REPS 1/1000 7.125% PFD E

MORGAN STANLEY NON-CUM DEP SH REP 1/1000 PFD SER I

MORGAN STANLEY 4.875 DEP SHS REP 1/1000 NCUM PFD SR L

MORGAN STANLEY 6.5%DEP SHS REPSTG 1/1000 NON CUM SER P

MORGAN STANLEY DEP SHS REPS 1/1000 PFD SER 'A'

MORGAN STANLEY DEP SHS REPR 1/1000TH INT PFD SER 'F' FX

MORGAN STANLEY DEP SHS REP 1/1000 NON-CUM PFD STK SER K

INTC or AMD: Morgan Stanley Sees More Risk in One Chip Name Ahead of Earnings