April 28 - Intel's (INTC, Financial) shares rebounded about 3% on Monday morning after last week's sharp sell-off.
The bounce came as investors digested CEO Lip-Bu Tan's outline to refocus the company on core engineering, streamline administrative layers and target contract manufacturing growth. Tan's comments, while light on specifics, helped calm nerves following Friday's warning of weaker-than-expected PC-processor demand and margin pressure from new fab ramps.
Analysts say markets now await detailed milestones on next-generation AI accelerators and firm orders from foundry clients. “Any concrete timelines or partner commitments will be pivotal,” Evercore ISI strategists noted.
Looking ahead, markets will hinge on these catalysts:
1. Foundry Direct Connect Event (April 29, 2025): Intel will host its inaugural Foundry Direct Connect in San Jose, showcasing its 18A process roadmap, packaging advances and partner tape-outs . Investors will look for commitments from external customers and concrete volume timelines.
2. Panther Lake Tape-Out Confirmation: Management has indicated that tape-outs on the forthcoming Panther Lake AI accelerator should be completed by late 2025.
