Intel (INTC) Stock: CES 2026 Showcases First 18A Process Chips as Analysts Upgrade Shares

TLDR

• Intel debuted Panther Lake processors at CES 2026, its first chips using the 18A manufacturing process
• Core Ultra Series 3 processors offer 60% performance improvement over Lunar Lake chips
• Melius upgraded Intel stock to Buy with a $50 price target citing foundry growth potential
• Intel will launch a handheld gaming platform based on Panther Lake technology in 2026
• Analyst expects Nvidia and Apple could become Intel foundry customers by 2028-2029

Intel stock gained ground Monday as the chipmaker revealed its Panther Lake processor family at CES 2026. The Core Ultra Series 3 chips represent Intel’s first major product built using its 18A manufacturing technology.

The launch carries high stakes for Intel as it attempts to win back market share from AMD. Unlike previous Lunar Lake processors made by TSMC, Intel manufactured these chips in its own facilities.

CEO Lip-Bu Tan confirmed the company met its goal to ship 18A products by the end of 2025. The processors feature new transistor architecture and power systems made possible by the 18A node.

Intel Corporation, INTC

Intel claims the Series 3 chips outperform Lunar Lake by 60%. The design uses a dedicated graphics chiplet that works with other mini-chips to create the finished processor.

Gaming Platform and Graphics Cards Coming

Jim Johnson, Intel’s PC group senior vice president, shared technical details about Panther Lake during the presentation. The chips will appear in laptops and handheld gaming systems.

Intel plans to release a handheld gaming platform powered by Panther Lake later this year. The company also unveiled updated Arrow Lake processors and teased new Arc graphics cards like the B770 model.

Reports surfaced last year about Intel struggling with Panther Lake yields. Company executives maintain that manufacturing improves each month and won’t impact the product launch schedule.

Stock Gets Upgraded to Buy

Melius Research changed its Intel rating from Hold to Buy on Monday. Analyst Ben Reitzes increased his price target from $44 to $50 per share.

Reitzes pointed to Intel’s 14A process as a major opportunity. The technology launches next year and could attract big-name customers thanks to CEO Tan’s business connections.

Intel shares have jumped 98.19% in the past year. Analysts remain split with six Buy ratings, 19 Hold ratings, and six Sell ratings. The average price target sits at $39 per share.

Rivals Make CES Announcements

AMD held its keynote Monday evening with CEO Lisa Su. The company struck a massive deal with OpenAI for MI400 processors that should bring tens of billions in revenue.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang presented at CES Monday as well. He announced next-generation AI chips now in “full production” that deliver five times more computing power than earlier versions.

The Panther Lake release tests whether Intel’s 18A process can compete with industry leaders. Success could help Intel attract outside foundry clients and strengthen its position in semiconductor manufacturing.

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