[Goldman Sachs: Japanese AI Semiconductor Stocks 'Remain Intact' After Sharp Decline, Intel's Increased CapEx Sparks Buying Opportunity] BlockBeats News, July 29 — Goldman Sachs Japan released its latest strategy report, stating that the recent sharp sell-off in Japanese AI-related stocks has created a buying opportunity, with strong earnings prospects likely to rekindle investor interest in semiconductor stocks. The immediate catalyst for this judgment comes from Intel, which raised its 2026 capital expenditure outlook by approximately $3 billion and explicitly stated plans to significantly increase spending on wafer fabrication equipment. Goldman Sachs believes that Intel's accelerated ramp-up of advanced processes (including the 18A and 14A nodes) and investments in advanced packaging will directly drive orders for Japanese equipment suppliers closely tied to these developments. The industry's trading logic remains intact despite short-term adjustments. Within this framework, Goldman Sachs has identified three Japanese semiconductor manufacturing equipment companies as top recommendations. Lasertec is listed as the industry's top pick, maintaining a 'Buy' rating with a target price of ¥70,000 and remaining on the Asia-Pacific Conviction Buy List. With high exposure to Intel sales, Lasertec is set to directly benefit from the advancement of cutting-edge processes. Tokyo Electron also retains its 'Buy' rating, with a target price of ¥83,000 (currently around ¥62,800), as Intel's increased wafer fab equipment budget will support demand for its manufacturing tools. Disco is expected to benefit structurally from Intel's plan to expand EMIB-T advanced packaging capacity, boosting demand for back-end processing equipment. [Original Link]