TLDR
- Intel stock rose 6% Wednesday, up 15% in first four trading days of 2026
- Panther Lake AI chips launched January 5 using new 18A manufacturing process
- Trump administration invested $10 billion, Nvidia added $5 billion backing
- Q3 revenue increased 3% to $13.7 billion with demand exceeding supply
- Shares gained 80% in 2025 as turnaround gains momentum
Intel stock climbed 6% Wednesday after launching its first AI processors built on American soil. The rally continues a strong 2026 start.
Shares have gained 15% in just four trading sessions this year. That builds on an 80% surge in 2025 as confidence returned.
Intel unveiled Core Ultra Series 3 processors January 5. The Panther Lake chips are the first made with Intel’s 18A manufacturing process. The company calls 18A the most advanced semiconductor process developed in the United States.
Pre-orders began January 6. Chips go on sale globally January 27. Intel says the processors deliver 1.9x better performance for large language models versus competitors.
The launch proves Intel can manufacture cutting-edge chips. The company struggled for years competing 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.
Trump Administration and Nvidia Investments Change Game
A meeting between Tan and President Trump in August shifted everything. The administration announced a $10 billion investment. That made the U.S. government Intel’s largest shareholder.
Nvidia invested $5 billion one month later. The AI chip leader agreed to collaborate with Intel on data center technology.
The investments provided crucial financial backing. Support from the government and world’s most valuable company boosted investor confidence. Shares more than doubled between August and December.
Ben Reitzes from Melius Research told CNBC that Intel’s backers will keep the company stable. The Trump administration views Intel as critical for national security. Intel represents the only viable U.S. alternative to Asian chip manufacturers.
Intel Revenue Returns to Growth Mode
Intel’s Q3 revenue rose 3% to $13.7 billion. The company posted earnings of $0.90 per share compared to a $3.88 loss last year.
Progress is visible. 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 through 2026.
Reitzes predicts positive news about foundry orders throughout 2026. He expects tech giants like Nvidia and Apple will want Intel’s next 14A process. Rumors suggest Apple may become an Intel foundry customer.
Intel reports Q4 earnings January 22. Investors will watch for order details on new Panther Lake chips.
