Overview
- Intel shares are up about 31% to start 2026 after an 84% gain in 2025, rebounding from a steep 2024 slide.
- KeyBanc upgraded the stock to overweight with a $60 target, citing foundry traction and noting unconfirmed speculation about a potential Apple agreement.
- Citigroup raised its rating to neutral with a $50 target, pointing to advanced packaging tightness at TSMC and U.S. policy support as openings for Intel.
- KeyBanc reports Intel’s 18A node is in production with roughly 60% yields, and Panther Lake laptops using 18A are slated to begin shipping later this month.
- Investors are watching fourth-quarter earnings on Jan. 22 and early Panther Lake order and shipping data to gauge the durability of the turnaround.