Is Intel Stock a Buy Right Now?

Core Viewpoint - Intel has struggled to attract investors during the AI revolution, contrasting with other semiconductor companies that have seen significant gains [1][3] Semiconductor Industry Performance - Since the commercial release of ChatGPT on November 30, 2022, shares of Nvidia, Broadcom, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing have increased by 592%, 272%, and 110% respectively [2] - The VanEck Semiconductor ETF has achieved a total return of 93% during the same period [2] Intel's Performance and Challenges - Intel's stock has declined by 32% since the launch of ChatGPT, with shares trading near a 15-year low [3] - The foundry segment generated $17.5 billion in revenue in 2024, down 7% year over year, and posted an operating loss exceeding $13.4 billion, nearly double the previous year's losses [5] - In Q1 2025, Intel's foundry segment revenue was $4.7 billion, reflecting a 7% year-over-year increase, but management indicated potential deceleration in growth [6] Competitive Landscape - Intel is losing market share to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and struggles to operate its foundry business profitably [7] - The growth trends in Intel's foundry segment are unpredictable, raising concerns about its future performance [7] Investment Outlook - Despite a declining stock price, the sell-off of Intel stock is viewed as justified due to ongoing challenges and the need for a turnaround under new leadership [9] - Wall Street estimates do not predict significant revenue or earnings growth for Intel in the coming years, making a bullish narrative difficult to support [11]