Intel shares jump 9% after report of 10% PC CPU price hike

Intel shares advanced about 9% on Tuesday after reports that the company will raise prices for PC processors by roughly 10% in early October. The stock traded as much as 9.5% higher intraday.

Intel has not confirmed the timing or which specific processors would be affected by the reported increase.

Market participants interpreted the report as a measure to improve per-chip profitability amid forecasts for weaker PC demand. Executives have trimmed lower-margin product lines since late 2025 as part of efforts to improve margins under CEO Lip-Bu Tan.

Under an August 2025 agreement, the U.S. government bought 433.3 million Intel shares at $20.47 each, taking a 9.9% stake for $8.9 billion. At about $105 a share, that holding is worth roughly $45.5 billion, producing an unrealized gain near $36.6 billion.

A securities firm raised its rating on Intel to Outperform from Market Perform and set a $120 price target, citing progress on the company’s turnaround, a shortage of server processors and other industry factors.

Intel and its equipment partner announced the company has run more than one million silicon wafers through High-NA extreme ultraviolet lithography machines. Wafers are the thin discs of silicon on which chips are manufactured; High-NA EUV is the newest toolset used to print fine circuit patterns. The one-million-wafer figure includes testing, research and production runs.

Intel’s third-quarter results, due in late October, will show whether PC makers absorb higher CPU prices, seek alternative suppliers or push back. Any formal company statement or the quarterly report will clarify timing, which products are affected and the potential impact on volumes and profitability.