3 Reasons to Buy Intel Stock Right Now

Core Viewpoint - Intel is positioned as a strong buy due to the booming demand for server CPUs, the introduction of the Panther Lake CPU family, and opportunities in the foundry business [1][2]. Group 1: Panther Lake and CPU Comeback - The Panther Lake family of PC CPUs, unveiled at CES 2026, represents a significant leap in performance and efficiency, being the first high-volume chip to utilize the Intel 18A process [3]. - Early reviews suggest that Panther Lake laptops are well-received, highlighting improvements in battery life, performance, and graphics capabilities, indicating a potential resurgence for Intel in the PC market [4]. - Following Panther Lake, the Nova Lake CPU line is expected to launch, also utilizing the Intel 18A process, while the Serpent Lake CPU, developed in collaboration with Nvidia, remains a future prospect [5][6]. Group 2: Server CPU Demand - There is a soaring demand for server CPUs as major tech companies build AI data centers, leading to a scarcity of these chips, with Intel unable to fully meet demand in early 2026 despite shifting manufacturing capacity [7]. - Intel's Granite Rapids and Sierra Forest server CPU families are manufactured using the Intel 3 process, with next-gen CPUs expected to leverage the Intel 18A process, which is anticipated to enhance performance and efficiency [8][9]. Group 3: Foundry Opportunities - The Intel 18A process has significantly closed the performance gap with TSMC, positioning Intel to attract external customers seeking advanced semiconductor manufacturing amid a supply shortage [10]. - The current demand for advanced semiconductor manufacturing exceeds supply, and Intel's improving yields could allow it to capture business from chip designers needing additional capacity [11][12]. - Although it may take time for Intel's foundry business to generate substantial revenue, the company is well-positioned to secure orders due to the ongoing shortage of advanced chip manufacturing capacity [13]. Group 4: Market Position and Stock Performance - Intel's market capitalization stands at $234 billion, with shares having increased by 27% in early 2026, following an 84% gain in 2025, indicating a strong investor interest in the company's turnaround story [1][14]. - Despite the recent surge in stock price, Intel's market cap remains below its all-time high, suggesting potential for further growth as the total addressable market expands due to the foundry business and rising demand for AI-related chips [14][15].