Street View: Intel's capex boost signals foundry optimism

** Jefferies ("hold", PT: $120) says "the step-up in capex adds conviction that external foundry engagement is gaining traction with customers transitioning from evaluation towards commitment"

** Melius Research ("buy", PT: $165) says the capex increase not only signals confidence in cash flow upside and demand visibility from long-term agreements for products, "but also confidence that foundry customers are coming (for packaging and 14A wafers)"

** RBC Capital Markets ("sector perform", PT: $100) sees server momentum to continue into 2028 and expects further positive news flow on the foundry front

** HSBC ("buy", PT: $200) says aggressive capex hike signals stronger confidence in the foundry outlook

** Intel INTC.O forecast Q3 profit and revenue above estimates on Thursday, while also raising its 2026 capital expenditure forecast, as AI boom boosts chip demand

** Shares up about 3% at $103.10 premarket