Reports Say Intel’s 18A Yields Jump to About 85% as ASML Names It High‑NA Qualified

With ASML’s validation and the reported yield gains, Intel’s manufacturing cost and capacity profile may improve ahead of its July 23 earnings.

Overview

Industry reports on Wednesday said yields on Intel’s 18A process rose to roughly 85% from about 65% in the prior quarter, a jump that would substantially lower per‑chip costs if sustained.
ASML’s quarterly report explicitly identified Intel as the first chipmaker to obtain production qualification for High NA EUV, the most advanced lithography tool used to print the smallest chip features.
Those technical developments prompted Intel to shift Nova Lake processor production in‑house and to announce a $5.7 billion expansion of its Ireland manufacturing complex, signaling greater internal confidence in 18A.
Analysts split sharply on what this means for the stock, with KeyBanc raising its target to $155 while Rosenblatt lifted its target to $65 but kept a Sell rating, leaving consensus views mixed.
Markets reacted positively on July 15 with shares up about 4.5% on the session, and investors are now focused on Intel’s July 23 Q2 report for confirmation of yields, foundry progress, and guidance that will determine whether the gains are durable.