Prediction: Intel Stock Is Up Big in 2026. But the Best May Still Be Ahead

Intel shares are already up 144.04% year to date in 2026, following a comeback highlighted by CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who cited “the strongest revenue growth in more than 15 years.” The article frames a debate over whether Intel can still reach $150 per share by the end of 2026, after the stock trades near $91.45 and has cooled since peaking at a 52-week high of $142.35. In the quarter, data center revenue rose 59% year over year, but Intel Foundry posted an operating loss of $2.1 billion in Q2, and external foundry revenue was $293 million. A $12.53 billion non-cash charge related to CHIPS Act escrow shares weighed on GAAP results. Wall Street’s consensus target is $114.88, implying about 25.61% upside, while the article’s model shows a base case of $86.90 and high confidence 0.9. Reaching $150 would require a 64% gain and a forward P/E around 132x versus $1.14 forward EPS, though 2027 EPS consensus has risen to $2.04. Catalysts cited include 18A yield momentum, 18A output ~25% above target, Xeon 6 ramp speed, and an ASIC TAM over $100 billion.