Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast

Host: Scott Becker
Episode: Intel Surges: 2 Core Reasons
Date: January 9, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Scott Becker analyzes Intel’s remarkable resurgence after a decade of stagnation, highlighting the two primary drivers fueling the chip giant’s recent momentum. He shares sharp insights on Intel’s stock performance, alliances with major players like Nvidia and the U.S. government, and the launch of its new Panther Lake processor series.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Intel Stock Performance & Surge

• Recent Growth:
  • Intel’s stock has soared by 125% over the last year, up about 9% on the day of the episode (Jan 9th), and roughly 20% year-to-date.
  • [01:01]
  • “So the the stock price itself up 125% over the last year, up about 9% today, Friday, January 9th and up about 20 or 20% or so year to date. So the stock price moving in the right direction.” — Scott Becker

2. Reason 1: Strategic Alliances & Investments

• Key Partnerships:

  • Intel has formed significant alliances with the U.S. Government and Nvidia.
  • The U.S. Government converted grants into an approximate 10% ownership stake in Intel.
  • Nvidia’s investment and collaboration offer credibility and resources, boosting Intel’s position.
  • [01:27]
  • “The first is intel developed some serious alliances with both the US Government and with Nvidia, most recently US Government. He has converted grants they'd given to intel into ownership in the company, amounting to about 10% stake in the company.” — Scott Becker

• Strategic Implications:

  • These moves strengthen the domestic chip industry and help secure U.S. technological independence.
  • Despite political complexity, Becker believes the investments are “probably needed versus not,” hinting at their national significance.
  • [01:48]
  • “We do need a homegrown chip industry that's become clear... All kinds of complications around it, but I think all in all probably needed versus not and I know complicated.” — Scott Becker

• Impact of Leadership Change:

  • New CEO brought focus and “clarity on what they're trying to accomplish.”
  • Transition from former CEO Jim Geisinger seen as pivotal.
  • [02:00]
  • “They also brought in the new CEO, really well regarded and he seems to have his clarity on what they're trying to accomplish.” — Scott Becker

3. Reason 2: New Product Launch – Panther Lake Processors

• Panther Lake, Core Ultra Series:

  • Intel launched the Panther Lake, Core Ultra series at CES, marking a technological leap and product roadmap milestone.
  • The market and reviewers are responding positively, calling it a “turning point” for Intel.
  • [02:18]
  • “The release of their new chip series. It's called the Panther Lake, the Core Ultra series, Panther Lake processors. These were introduced at the Computer Electronics show, the CES show and what has happened so far is these are getting rave reviews.” — Scott Becker

• Comeback Narrative:

  • The products are restoring Intel’s significance in the broader chip ecosystem after a decade of relative decline.
  • [02:36]
  • “It's viewed as a turning point in their product roadmap and where Intel’s trying to get to, to get back to being critical to the chip ecosystem.” — Scott Becker

4. Broader Reflections & Admiration

• Becker expresses genuine admiration for Intel’s rapid turnaround, especially under its new leadership and strategic refresh.
• [02:48]
  • “I find this resurgence and reemergence of intel, their leadership, the replacement of Jim Geisinger and their new leader, just to be incredible what they're doing in a short period of time.” — Scott Becker

5. Summary of Drivers & Final Thoughts

• Recap of the two main drivers:
  • Major alliances (U.S. Government, Nvidia)
  • Successful launch of the Panther Lake processor series
• Repeats impressive stock performance as validation of Intel’s comeback.
• [03:02]
  • “Again, the stock up under 25% over the last year, tremendous alliances being built between both the United States government and Nvidia, and the release of the new processors, which are getting great reviews.” — Scott Becker

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Industry Importance:

  • [01:48] “But we do need a homegrown chip industry that's become clear… all kinds of complications around it, but I think all in all probably needed versus not and I know complicated.” — Scott Becker

• On Leadership Transition:

  • [02:48] “I find this resurgence and reemergence of intel, their leadership, the replacement of Jim Geisinger and their new leader, just to be incredible what they're doing in a short period of time.” — Scott Becker

• On Product Impact:

  • [02:36] “It's viewed as a turning point in their product roadmap and where Intel’s trying to get to, to get back to being critical to the chip ecosystem.” — Scott Becker

Important Timestamps

• [00:30] Episode intro and stock performance overview
• [01:27] Discussion of government and Nvidia alliances
• [02:00] Reflections on new CEO and leadership change
• [02:18] Introduction and impact of new Panther Lake processors
• [02:36] Discussing positive industry reviews and turning point
• [02:48] Host’s reflection on Intel’s remarkable turnaround
• [03:02] Recap and closing thoughts

Tone & Style

Scott Becker delivers his analysis with a tone of cautious optimism and admiration, focusing on business fundamentals with an accessible, energetic style. He blends market statistics with strategic commentary, offering listeners both the “what” and the “why” behind Intel’s recent surge.

This summary captures the heart of Scott Becker’s take on Intel’s resurgence, distilling the drivers and sentiments shaping the chip giant’s 2026 comeback.