Intel(US:INTC) HTSC·2025-08-19 10:44Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is maintained as "Buy" with a target price of $25.00 [2]. Core Views - Recent strategic initiatives have positioned the company at a critical juncture, with a $2 billion investment from SoftBank and a potential 10% equity stake from the U.S. government providing dual support for its transformation [6][7]. - The company's "national team" strategy is becoming increasingly prominent, serving as a core pillar of U.S. industrial policy, while the SoftBank investment reflects recognition of its strategic value [6][7]. - The success of the company's transformation hinges on its ability to advance its cutting-edge manufacturing processes, with the current phase characterized by a mix of opportunities and risks [6][9]. Financial Projections and Valuation - Revenue projections for the company are as follows: $53.1 billion in 2024, $51.8 billion in 2025, $52.9 billion in 2026, and $55.2 billion in 2027, with respective growth rates of -2.08%, -2.52%, 2.29%, and 4.29% [5][21]. - Adjusted net profit is projected to be -$17.0 billion in 2024, with a recovery to $241.66 million in 2025, $1.44 billion in 2026, and $2.99 billion in 2027 [5][21]. - The target price of $25 corresponds to a 2.0x price-to-sales (PS) ratio for 2026, reflecting a valuation discount compared to industry leaders due to execution uncertainties in advanced manufacturing processes [10][21]. Strategic Support and Challenges - The dual backing from government and SoftBank not only solidifies the company's status as a "national team" but also opens new opportunities in the Arm ecosystem for its foundry business [7][8]. - Political support has been crucial, with recent shifts in government stance indicating a strategic consensus that may reduce future political obstacles for the company [8]. - The execution of advanced manufacturing nodes, particularly the 18A and 14A processes, remains critical for the company's future success, with the need for foundational customers to support these technologies [9][10].