Intel’s recent 6.4% stock rise may appear to be another market bounce, but there’s a lot more going on here. There is a sense of optimism, which gives hope that the chip giant still has some life left in it. After all these years, Intel indicates that it’s no longer just reviving old patterns, rather it’s creating fresh ones. A 6.5% market share is hardly a threat to TSMC’s supremacy, but it’s a beginning of something. Intel’s current rally might not be termed as a hardcore comeback, but it promises one. With building blocks that include the 18A process looking bright, and a clear roadmap towards foundry competitiveness, the company is making claims on its future.
The Counterpoint report, provides Intel a much needed support and acknowledgement of its foundry determination. It particularly recognizes the extent to which the 18A process is going to play a role in reclaiming significance in the fabrication space. While its 6.5% market share in Foundry 2.0 might not look magnificent, it definitely shows us that Intel’s strategy is paying off. However, its decline from 6.8% shows us that the competition is indeed very strong. Intel has to demonstrate that 18A can provide both profit and performance at scale. If it does, the company can achieve becoming a successful manufacturing player.
For investors, the stock’s uptick is a call to watch Intel again. Not necessarily to buy now, but to see if its foundry approach can build some real momentum in the long run. The small but directional momentum offers optimism regarding how Intel might become an interesting story of survival and comeback in the future. On the other hand, the underlying numbers still indicate that Intel has a long way to go before its comeback. If Intel can continue on its upward curve without stumbling, the former behemoth could revive its legacy.
Intel stock surged 6.4% on Tuesday as investors digested a combination of positive industry reports and strategic company moves. The semiconductor giant’s shares climbed to close the day higher as broader market conditions and company-specific developments aligned. The rally began with the release of Counterpoint Research’s latest foundry industry report. Intel secured second place in the Foundry 2.0 category with a 6.5% market share during the first quarter of 2025. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing maintained its leading position at 35.3% market share. Intel’s foundry performance showed mixed signals compared to previous quarters. The company’s market share dropped from 6.8% in the first quarter of 2024. However, it improved from the 5.9% share recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024. The Counterpoint report highlighted progress with Intel’s 18A manufacturing process. This technology represents a critical component of Intel’s strategy to compete with TSMC for third-party chip fabrication contracts. The success of this process depends heavily on achieving attractive chip yields for potential clients.