Intel's stock has more room to run, says KKM Financial's Jeff Kilburg
Speakers
Summary
- Jeff Kilburg is bullish on semiconductors, calling them a "safe haven" and noting a popular semiconductor ETF is up about 14% year-to-date.
- Specifically optimistic about Intel, stating that with the stock above $53, it has more room to run.
- Mentions other semiconductor names like Micron, Applied Materials, and Lam Research as favorites but emphasizes the need to be tactical due to market noise.
- More optimistic than most on the AI trade, believing AI is not lagging and that valuations have come down, making it a stock picker's market.
- Highlights unusual dispersion in the market, with tech software repriced or "decimated" but semiconductors leading, driven by AI race.
- Enthusiastic about earnings season, pointing to the potential sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth for the S&P 500.
- Overall market view: thinks the market has come down far enough and it's time to buy, despite inflation concerns.
- On inflation and oil: concerned if WTI crude oil stays above $80-$90 per barrel, but expects it to be a "blip" if the Iran off-ramp is in place within the next week or two.
- Watching oil prices closely; a sustained break above $90 could be a problem for inflation and the economy.
Trade Ideas
Jeff Kilburg called semiconductors a "safe haven," noted a semiconductor ETF is up about 14% year-to-date, and expressed excitement about individual names within the sector. He is optimistic about the AI race driving continued growth, believes semiconductors are leading despite market dispersion, and thinks valuations have become more attractive. Therefore, a LONG view on the electronic technology sector (encompassing semiconductors) is justified as a defensive yet growth-oriented play. Macroeconomic slowdown, persistent oil price spikes above $90 affecting inflation, or a decline in AI-related investment could undermine the thesis.
Jeff Kilburg explicitly stated that Intel is above $53 for the first time and has "some more room to run specifically in Intel." He is bullish on the semiconductor sector as a safe haven and part of the AI trade, with Intel positioned to benefit from increased demand and industry momentum. Therefore, a LONG position on Intel is warranted due to perceived upside potential from current levels. A slowdown in the semiconductor cycle, failure of AI demand to materialize, or company-specific execution issues could break the thesis.
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This CNBC video, published April 07, 2026, features Jeff Kilburg discussing XLK, INTC. 2 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.
Speakers: Jeff Kilburg · Tickers: XLK, INTC