Intel ( NASDAQ: INTC ) has experienced a dramatic shift in fortunes over the past year. ...

Tell us about what is driving Intel stock lower right now. So essentially, Nvidia halted a test run of Intel's 18, a manufacturing process, which we know essentially is a process that makes Chip making more efficient and faster here. So we do have this being really critical to Intel's turnaround story.So that's what's really alarming investors in this moment, because this is essentially a process that should help Intel compete with a global leader, TSMC. So investors are essentially concerned that this is s ...

Core Viewpoint - Intel's stock has seen a significant increase of approximately 78% in 2025 and over 35% since its partnership announcement with Nvidia in September, but is currently facing pressure due to Nvidia halting tests on Intel's chip manufacturing process [1][3][5]. Company Performance - Intel's stock performance has been strong this year, with a notable rise of 78%, although it experienced a slight decline of about 1.5% recently due to Nvidia's decision [1][5]. - The company has been gaining momentum through various deals, but its manufacturing unit is reportedly struggling with quality issues in producing in-house chips [3][4]. Partnership Developments - Nvidia and Broadcom had previously conducted manufacturing tests with Intel's 18A technology, but dissatisfaction from initial customer tests has led to reduced demand [4]. - Nvidia's abandonment of plans to utilize Intel's chip production process is a significant development, impacting Intel's stock performance [3][5]. Market Reactions - Despite the recent news, Intel's stock has shown resilience, bouncing back from lows, and is currently flat for the month [5][6]. - Analysts suggest that Nvidia's performance will be crucial for maintaining market momentum as the year ends [6].

Core Viewpoint - Intel is facing pressure following a report that Nvidia has halted testing of Intel's 18A chip production process, which Nvidia was considering for its own chip manufacturing [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - Intel's shares have increased over 35% since Nvidia's $5 billion investment announcement in September [1] - Year-to-date, Intel has shown strong outperformance, particularly in recent months, outperforming both the tech sector and semiconductor industry [2][3] Group 2: Technical Analysis - The stock is currently at a critical juncture, with significant long-term resistance and support levels identified between 15 to 20 [2] - Recent price movements indicate a potential breakout point, with key levels at 33 and 36 serving as notable support and resistance [5][6] - The 21, 5, and 63-day exponential moving averages are closely aligned with current prices, indicating a potential inflection point around 36 to 37 [6] Group 3: Trading Strategy - A cash-secured put strategy is suggested for investors looking to buy shares if the stock price falls, with a strike price of 34 and a potential profit of approximately $100 per put sold [10][12] - The break-even price for this strategy would be around $33, factoring in the premium collected from the put sale [12][13] - This strategy allows for profit if the stock remains above 34 over the next three and a half weeks, while also preparing for potential share acquisition if the price drops [14]

About this content About Emily Jarvie Emily began her career as a political journalist for Australian Community Media in Hobart, Tasmania. After she relocated to Toronto, Canada, she reported on business, legal, and scientific developments in the emerging psychedelics sector before joining Proactive in 2022. She brings a strong journalism background with her work featured in newspapers, magazines, and digital publications across Australia, Europe, and North America, including The Examiner, The Advocate, ...

Core Insights - Chip companies are currently testing Intel's new production process, referred to as 18A [1] Group 1 - The 18A process is a significant advancement in semiconductor manufacturing technology [1]

Core Viewpoint - Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan faced criticism from the President of the United States during a pivotal moment in Silicon Valley, highlighting the tensions between government and tech companies [1] Group 1 - The incident occurred early on a Thursday morning, indicating a significant and possibly urgent matter at hand for Intel and the tech industry [1]

Summary of Semiconductor Production Equipment Industry Insights Industry Overview - The semiconductor production equipment industry in Japan is currently viewed as attractive, with a confirmed entry into a recovery phase for front-end equipment [8][10][21]. Key Companies and Upgrades - **Tokyo Electron (TEL)** and **Kokusai Electric** have been upgraded to an Overweight (OW) rating due to increasing inquiries for equipment from foundries and DRAM makers [8][10]. - Other companies highlighted include **Advantest**, **Disco**, **Ebara**, **SCREEN Holdings**, and **Ulvac**, which are also positioned favorably in the market [10][21]. Market Trends - There has been a significant increase in equipment inquiries from foundries and DRAM manufacturers since mid-November 2025, driven by additional investments in AI semiconductors and supply shortages in DRAM [8][10]. - Demand for back-end equipment remains strong, while front-end equipment, which had been weak, is showing signs of recovery [10][21]. Specific Developments - **Micron Technology** plans to invest approximately ¥1,500 billion to construct a new fab in Hiroshima for next-gen HBM chips, which is expected to benefit front-end equipment makers like Tokyo Electron, Ebara, SCREEN HD, and Kokusai Electric [22]. - The transition to 12-inch SiC wafers is anticipated to drive revenue growth for Disco's KABRA systems and Ulvac's deposition equipment, particularly as demand from Chinese EV makers recovers [12][21]. Technological Innovations - Advancements in 3D-DRAM technology, as confirmed by Kioxia Holdings, could lead to significant changes in the DRAM semiconductor production equipment market, benefiting companies like Tokyo Electron, Ebara, and Kokusai Electric [14]. - The collaboration between Advantest and Tokyo Seimitsu on die-level probers aims to improve yield rates in IC packages, indicating a shift towards more complex testing methods [30]. Government Support and External Factors - The Japanese government is providing substantial support to Rapidus, aiming to mass-produce advanced semiconductors, with investments expected to reach ¥1 trillion by the end of F3/27-28 [26]. - Potential US government approval for H200 exports to China could increase demand for Japanese semiconductor production equipment, particularly benefiting back-end equipment makers like Advantest and Disco [24]. Conclusion - The semiconductor production equipment industry in Japan is poised for growth, driven by increased demand for advanced technologies and government support. Key players are strategically positioned to capitalize on these trends, with significant investments and technological advancements expected to shape the market landscape in the coming years [8][10][21][22].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of identifying high-potential investment opportunities before they experience significant growth, focusing on asymmetric opportunities with a potential upside of 3-5 times the downside risk [1] Investment Strategy - The investment approach prioritizes leveraging market inefficiencies and contrarian insights to maximize long-term compounding while safeguarding against capital impairment [1] - A strong margin of safety is sought to protect against potential capital losses, ensuring that risk management is a key component of the investment strategy [1] - The investment horizon is set at 2-3 years, allowing the company to endure market volatility and emphasizing the importance of patience, discipline, and intelligent capital allocation for achieving superior returns over time [1]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of identifying high-potential investment opportunities before they experience significant growth, focusing on asymmetric opportunities with a potential upside of 3-5 times the downside risk [1]. Investment Strategy - The investment approach prioritizes leveraging market inefficiencies and contrarian insights to maximize long-term compounding while safeguarding against capital impairment [1]. - A strong margin of safety is sought to protect against potential capital losses, ensuring that risk management is a key component of the investment strategy [1]. - The investment horizon is set at 2-3 years, allowing the company to endure market volatility and emphasizing the importance of patience, discipline, and intelligent capital allocation for achieving substantial returns over time [1].