Key Points
Intel shares surged 4.50% to $107.76, recovering from a broader semiconductor market sell-off.
Intel adopted ASML's advanced $400 million High-NA EUV machine for high-volume chip manufacturing.
The cutting-edge lithography equipment is being used to produce Intel's flagship Panther Lake processors.
KeyBanc raised its price target to $155, citing strong 85% yields on Intel's 18A process.
Intel shares jumped 4.50% Wednesday, trading at $107.76 after a volatile week. The rally followed news that Intel will use ASML’s next-generation chipmaking tool. Intel has begun deploying ASML’s High-NA EUV machine for Panther Lake laptop chips. That marks a significant step after experiments with the tool began back in 2024. The move comes alongside a wave of bullish analyst price target increases.
KeyBanc raised its Intel target to $155, citing improving 18A process yields. Intel shares had fallen 6.12% Monday amid a broader semiconductor stock selloff. Wednesday’s rebound recovered much of that lost ground.
Intel Shares Rebound After Monday’s Selloff
Intel shares (NASDAQ: INTC) climbed to $107.76 Wednesday, a gain of 4.50% in 24 hours. That followed a rough Monday session, when Intel shares fell 6.12% to $103.12. Broader semiconductor stocks slid that day amid concerns over AI capital spending. Intel’s rebound outpaced much of the sector by Wednesday’s trading.
Intel shares’ trading range this week:
- Intel shares touched an intraday low of $103.59 and a high of $109.19.
- Trading volume reached 91.13 million shares, above the daily average.
- Intel’s market capitalization now stands near $541.65 billion.
- Intel shares have surged 363.68% over the trailing twelve months.
Why Intel Turned to ASML’s High-NA Tool
Intel began using ASML’s next-generation High-NA EUV machine this month. The tool now helps produce a portion of Intel’s Panther Lake laptop chips. ASML confirmed the move Tuesday alongside its own second-quarter earnings report. Intel had experimented with the High-NA technology since 2024 before this rollout.
What Makes ASML’s High-NA Machine Different
ASML’s High-NA extreme ultraviolet machine prints far finer circuit patterns onto chips. The equipment costs roughly $400 million, twice the price of standard EUV tools. Chipmakers have debated when deploying High-NA tools makes economic sense. Intel’s decision marks one of the earliest production uses of the technology.
Key details behind Intel’s High-NA adoption:
- The High-NA tool helps chipmakers continue shrinking transistor sizes further.
- Intel’s Panther Lake chips represent its most advanced client processor lineup.
- ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet confirmed the partnership during Wednesday’s earnings call.
- The technology will likely become essential as chip features keep shrinking.
Analyst Price Targets Have Climbed Sharply
KeyBanc raised its Intel price target to $155 from $110 this week. UBS lifted its target to $121, while TD Cowen raised its target to $115. Stifel separately increased its Intel target to $120 from $75. These upgrades cite improving yields on Intel’s advanced 18A process node.
Intel’s 18A Process Node Shows Real Progress
Intel’s 18A manufacturing process now yields above 85%, up from 65% last quarter. That improvement strengthens Intel’s pitch to external foundry customers significantly. Design wins have followed from Apple, AMD, Nvidia, Marvell, Microsoft, Micron, and OpenAI. These commitments suggest growing confidence in Intel’s manufacturing turnaround.
Intel’s recent financial and operational highlights:
- Last quarter’s EPS reached $0.29, far above the $0.02 estimate.
- Quarterly revenue hit $13.58 billion, beating expectations of $12.42 billion.
- Intel began a €5 billion investment to expand its Ireland facility.
- Intel’s next earnings report arrives July 23, 2026.
Intel’s Government Backing Adds a Unique Layer
The White House has taken an active interest in Intel’s turnaround this year. Reports indicate federal involvement has helped stabilize Intel’s manufacturing investment plans. That support adds an unusual dimension to Intel’s competitive position among chipmakers. Investors appear to view this backing as a stabilizing factor for now.
ASML’s Own Results Boosted the Broader Chip Sector
ASML posted second-quarter revenue of €9.33 billion, beating estimates of €8.80 billion. The company raised its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to €43 billion to €45 billion. ASML shares jumped as much as 7% following the announcement Wednesday. Strong AI chip demand continues driving orders across the equipment maker’s business.
ASML’s broader capacity expansion plans:
- ASML plans to expand EUV and DUV capacity by 30% annually.
- That expansion covers each of the next two years through 2027.
- ASML shares have risen roughly 50% since the start of 2026.
- Analysts note ASML trades near 48 to 50 times forward earnings.
Bottom Line
Intel shares’ 4.50% rebound reflects growing confidence in the company’s manufacturing roadmap. The ASML High-NA partnership signals Intel is investing in genuinely cutting-edge technology. Rising 18A yields and fresh design wins support the bullish analyst price target revisions. Intel’s July 23 earnings report will show whether this momentum can continue. For now, Intel shares are proving far more resilient than Monday’s selloff suggested.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is for research and informational purposes only. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be treated as investment or trading advice.
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