Intel’s Hot Streak: Why the Chip Giant’s Comeback Might Be Just Getting Started

​Intel has been through the wringer in recent years, but guess what? The chipmaker is making a comeback, and Wall Street is taking notice. Its stock has been on a tear, and some analysts think this rally has legs.

So, what’s fueling this surge? A mix of political tailwinds, potential partnerships, and a shift in investor sentiment has transformed Intel from an underdog to a stock you don’t want to ignore.

A Winning Streak Like We Haven’t Seen in Decades

Intel’s stock is on fire. It shot up 10% on Thursday alone, capping a 29% four-day rally—its best streak since 1987. Investors who had written off Intel as a struggling relic are now scrambling to jump back in before they miss out.

This sudden surge started Tuesday after Vice President J.D. Vance emphasized the importance of domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Since Intel is the largest U.S. chipmaker, investors see it as a key beneficiary of government support.

Dan Morgan, a senior portfolio manager at Synovus, put it bluntly: “A Trump administration is going to be extremely committed to making sure Intel is successful in building out domestic fabs.” In other words, the government might be backing Intel’s factory expansion in a big way.

Could a TSMC-Intel Partnership Be in the Works?

One of the biggest buzzworthy rumors? A potential manufacturing partnership between Intel and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC).
​
Intel has been trying to expand its foundry business, where it makes chips for other companies. But there’s a problem—building cutting-edge chip factories is insanely expensive.

Chris Caso, an analyst at Wolfe Research, doesn’t think Intel’s traditional business (PC and server chips) can generate enough growth to justify those costs. A TSMC partnership could solve that problem—but pulling off a deal of this scale won’t be easy.

From Wall Street’s Punching Bag to “Golden Boy”

For years, hedge funds have bet against Intel, but now some are reversing course.

Jordan Klein, a tech analyst at Mizuho Securities, wrote that Intel could become “The Golden Boy Turnaround Long Idea for 2025.” Translation? Investors who once shorted Intel are now rushing to buy before it’s too late.

And with Intel’s stock still down 43% over the past year and 63% over five years, some think it’s an undervalued bargain with serious upside potential.

Intel’s Secret Weapon: A Game-Changing Chip?

Intel’s next-generation manufacturing process, known as 18A, could be its ticket back to the top.

A recent report from semiconductor research firm TechInsights suggests Intel’s 18A chips might outperform TSMC’s highly anticipated 2nm chips. If that’s true, it could be Intel’s best chance in years to regain its technological edge.

Scotten Jones, an analyst at TechInsights, pointed out that TSMC’s early yield results are promising, but they come with sky-high costs—around $30,000 per wafer. That could open the door for Intel and Samsung to grab market share.

Challenges Still Loom

Of course, Intel isn’t out of the woods just yet. The company is still looking for a new CEO after Pat Gelsinger’s abrupt departure last year.

Finding a leader with experience in both chip design and manufacturing is tough—most of the qualified candidates are already working at Intel. Until the company locks down new leadership, uncertainty will linger.

The Bottom Line: Is Intel a Buy?

Right now, Intel’s stock is benefiting from momentum, government backing, and speculation. But can it sustain this rally?

If Intel lands major foundry contracts, executes its 18A chip launch successfully, and secures a game-changing partnership, its comeback could be real. But if execution stumbles or competition intensifies, the hype might fade fast.

For now, investors seem to have one fear—missing out. And in the stock market, FOMO can be a powerful force.





​