Intel (INTC) Stock: Is This the Turnaround Wall Street Has Been Waiting For?

TLDR

• Intel stock rose 6% Wednesday, up 15% in first four trading days of 2026
• Company launched Panther Lake AI PC chips using new 18A manufacturing process January 5
• Trump administration invested $10 billion, Nvidia added $5 billion in backing
• Q3 revenue grew 3% to $13.7 billion with demand exceeding supply
• Shares gained 80% in 2025 as turnaround confidence builds

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Intel stock jumped 6% Wednesday as the chipmaker launched its first AI processors built on American soil. The rally extends a strong 2026 start for shares.

Intel Corporation, INTC

The stock has climbed 15% in just four trading sessions this year. That follows an 80% gain in 2025 as investor confidence returned.

Intel unveiled its Core Ultra Series 3 processors on January 5. The Panther Lake chips are the first products made with Intel’s 18A manufacturing process. The company calls 18A the most advanced semiconductor process developed in the United States.

Pre-orders started January 6. The chips go on sale globally January 27. Intel says the processors deliver 1.9x better performance for large language models compared to rivals.

The launch proves Intel can manufacture cutting-edge chips. The company has struggled for years to compete with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.

CEO Lip-Bu Tan took charge in March after Pat Gelsinger left. Tan cut costs and sold assets but shares stayed weak as doubts persisted.

Government and Nvidia Back Intel Turnaround

A meeting between Tan and President Trump in August changed everything. The administration announced a $10 billion investment. That made the U.S. government Intel’s biggest shareholder.

Nvidia invested $5 billion one month later. The AI chip leader agreed to work with Intel on data center technology.

The investments provided crucial financial support. Backing from the government and world’s most valuable company boosted confidence. Shares more than doubled between August and December.

Ben Reitzes from Melius Research told CNBC that Intel’s supporters will keep the company stable. The Trump administration views Intel as critical for national security. Intel is the only viable U.S. alternative to Asian chip manufacturers.

Revenue Returns to Growth

Intel’s Q3 revenue rose 3% to $13.7 billion. The company posted earnings of $0.90 per share versus a $3.88 loss last year.

The turnaround is taking shape. Revenue fell 7% in Q4 fiscal 2024. It went flat in Q1 and Q2 before turning positive in Q3.

CEO Tan said AI is accelerating compute demand across Intel’s portfolio. Management reported demand exceeds supply and expects that to continue in 2026.

Reitzes predicts good news about foundry orders throughout 2026. He expects tech giants like Nvidia and Apple will want Intel’s next 14A process. Rumors say Apple may become an Intel foundry customer.

Intel reports Q4 earnings January 22. Investors will watch for order data on the new Panther Lake chips.

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