This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Intel Corp (NASDAQ:INTC) shares rose about 5% on Friday as U.S. stocks are firmer to start 2026, as heavyweight chip names stabilized after late-2025 declines.
Investors are probing Intel’s (NASDAQ:INTC) manufacturing roadmap and its ability to translate process gains into steadier earnings and foundry wins.
A key focus is Panther Lake, Intel’s next laptop processor on the 18A node, which is central to rebuilding its manufacturing edge.
The foundry narrative is mixed. Reuters reported Nvidia tested Intel’s 18A process but did not proceed, while Intel said 18A work is progressing and seeing interest in its 14A technologies.
Nvidia’s (NASDAQ:NVDA) $5 billion purchase of Intel shares underscores high-profile partnerships that may bolster confidence.
Traders will watch Intel’s quarterly update and data on manufacturing yields, with estimating earnings date of Jan. 29.
Competition from Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM) is a benchmark for Intel’s progress.
Near-term moves in Intel stock are likely to track chip-sector sentiment and macro data that shifts rate-cut expectations.