Citi Lifts Intel Target to $130, Sees $131.5B CPU Market by 2030
INTC•Following Citi’s upgrade of Intel’s price target to $130, the bank forecasts the server CPU market expanding from $29.3 billion in 2025 to $131.5 billion by 2030 with Intel securing a 47% share. President Trump said the US should have demanded more for its $11.1 billion, 10% Intel stake.
1. Citi Upgrade and Market Outlook
Citi raised its Intel price target from $95 to $130, citing strong server CPU demand driven by expanding data centers and agentic AI workloads. The bank projects the server CPU market will grow from $29.3 billion in 2025 to $131.5 billion by 2030, with Intel capturing about 47% of that segment and potential upside from its ASIC business.
2. 18A Process Adoption Push
Intel has asked PC manufacturers across the US, China and Taiwan to accelerate adoption of its 18A process for new chip families, citing stronger supply availability for Panther Lake and Wildcat Lake processors. This push supports Intel’s strategy to regain advanced manufacturing leadership amid rising AI-driven computing demand.
3. Government Stake Controversy
President Trump said the US should have demanded more value when it invested roughly $11.1 billion for a 10% stake in Intel, raising questions over the long-term structure of the government partnership. Intel’s shares dipped as investors weighed potential implications for future semiconductor funding agreements.
