Intel Surges 29% as AI Spending Boom Lifts Chip Stocks This Week

Intel surged 28.6% after its forward EPS growth estimate was revised upward from 90.5% to 91.8% on April 20, as JPMorgan raised data center capex forecasts for U.S. hyperscalers to +63% growth in 2026, signaling record AI infrastructure spending that benefits Intel's data center and foundry business.

Intel's EPS growth estimate revision to 91.8% and the surge to $84.52 suggest strong momentum tied to AI infrastructure spending, but investors should weigh valuation and competition in the foundry space before buying.

Intel's surge was driven by JPMorgan's upward revision to data center capex forecasts for top U.S. hyperscalers (+52% to +63% growth in 2026), signaling $200+ billion in incremental AI infrastructure spending that benefits chipmakers like Intel.

Coursera rallied 22.9% to $6.49 as its forward EPS growth estimate held at 28.0% on April 24, with investor enthusiasm for AI workforce training rising after 2U's edX platform secured a growth recapitalization signaling strong institutional confidence in the edtech sector.

Coursera's 28% forward EPS growth estimate and the jump to $6.49 indicate momentum, but the company's path to profitability and competition in online learning should be evaluated before taking a position.

Coursera's surge was reinforced by a broader edtech confidence boost after 2U completed a growth recapitalization of its edX platform, highlighting rising institutional interest in AI-focused professional development and online learning platforms.

Patterson-UTI surged 21.0% from $9.77 to $11.82 after its forward EPS growth estimate was revised upward from 72.2% to 73.5% on April 20, as oilfield services activity accelerated amid improved energy-sector earnings outlooks.

With forward EPS growth revised to 73.5% and the stock at $11.82, Patterson-UTI shows strong momentum in oilfield services, but volatile energy prices warrant careful evaluation of the entry point.

Patterson-UTI's surge was driven by an upward EPS estimate revision from 72.2% to 73.5%, reflecting improved oilfield services demand as OPEC+ supply discipline and resilient energy consumption support higher drilling activity.

Centene surged 18.5% after its forward EPS growth estimate was revised upward from 33.4% to 34.2% on April 24, with Q1 adjusted EPS of $3.37 crushing the $1.87 Zacks consensus and full-year guidance raised to above $3.40.

Centene's EPS guidance increase to above $3.40 and the stock at $49.57 reflect a managed care turnaround, but the company is still working toward pre-2025 EPS levels ($7.17 in 2023) and investors should monitor medical cost trends.

Centene's surge followed Q1 results showing $3.37 adjusted EPS versus $1.87 expected and a 40-cent raise to full-year 2026 guidance, driven by Medicaid and Medicare margin improvements and lighter-than-forecast flu season benefits.

AMD gained 17.6% from $274.95 to $323.21 after its forward EPS growth estimate was held at 63.8% on April 20, as massive AI infrastructure spending by hyperscalers continued to drive demand for AMD's data center and AI chips despite a brief OpenAI headline pullback.

With 63.8% forward EPS growth and the stock at $323.21, AMD benefits from AI chip demand but trades at a premium; investors should monitor OpenAI-related headlines and competitive pressures from Nvidia before adding.

AMD's surge reflected sustained confidence in AI chip demand after a brief OpenAI-related drag on April 28, supported by JPMorgan's projection of $200+ billion in incremental data center capex among U.S. hyperscalers in 2026.