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Investing.com - Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), the $97.8 billion semiconductor giant with annual revenue of $53.04 billion, is reportedly halting external sales of its 18A and 18AP foundry nodes to focus on the more promising 14A node, according to UBS. InvestingPro data shows the company is expected to return to profitability this year, despite current challenges.
UBS maintained its Neutral rating on Intel with a $21.00 price target, noting that the strategic shift aligns with their previous analysis of the company’s foundry strategy. With Intel’s next earnings report due on July 24, InvestingPro subscribers can access comprehensive semiconductor industry analysis and over 30 key financial metrics to evaluate this strategic pivot.
The 14A node represents Intel’s first true foundry process and second iteration of the company’s GAA + BS-PDN node technology, which UBS believes offers a wider process window and PDKs that would make it more appealing to potential customers.
Companies like Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) and NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) have shown the most interest in Intel’s 18AP node, according to UBS’s assessment of the situation.
Despite the strategic rationale, UBS highlighted several unspecified hurdles that call into question the feasibility of Intel’s pivot to the 14A node.
In other recent news, Intel has reported several significant developments. Mizuho (NYSE:MFG) has adjusted its financial outlook for Intel, raising the price target to $23 from $22 while maintaining a Neutral rating. The firm’s revenue and earnings estimates for the June quarter remain unchanged at $11.8 billion and $0.00 per share, respectively, which are slightly below consensus estimates. Mizuho also updated its fiscal projections, highlighting a focus on AI and operating expense reductions. In another development, Intel’s CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, is reportedly considering a shift in the company’s foundry strategy, potentially moving resources from the 18A manufacturing process to the 14A technology. This strategic pivot aims to enhance competitiveness against Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.
Furthermore, Intel is expanding its collaboration with Nokia (HE:NOKIA) to improve 5G network efficiency, leveraging Intel Xeon processors to achieve significant power and performance gains. The company has also announced key leadership appointments to bolster its engineering capabilities, with Greg Ernst named as the new chief revenue officer. Additionally, Mobileye, a company previously part of Intel, has been chosen by a major automaker to provide its imaging radar technology for advanced automated driving systems, set to be implemented in 2028. These developments reflect Intel’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its market position and adapt to industry changes.
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