While not the absolute best performer within the timeframe, Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) stock would have, nonetheless, resulted in stellar returns to any trader who estimated the chipmaker’s long decline was nearing its end in the summer of 2025.
Specifically, INTC shares stood at $22.49 on July 3, 2025 – exactly 12 months ago – while, at press time on July 3, 2026, they are changing hands at $120.35.
Given the 435.13% rise within the timeframe, $1,000 invested in Intel stock 52 weeks ago would have turned into a $5,351.30 stake in the company for a $4,351.30 profit.
Why Intel stock has rallied massively
The remarkable turn in INTC equity’s fortunes relative to the previous years – between the 2021 highs and the 2025 lows, it collapsed approximately 70% – can be attributed to a concentrated effort to mend the struggling core business, the persistence of the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, and backing from the White House.
Indeed, the turning point for Intel stock came last year in late August when it was revealed that President Donald Trump’s administration agreed to invest $8.9 billion in the semiconductor giant.
Considering the purchase was made at approximately $24, the U.S. government’s stake itself yielded a massive profit of roughly $36 billion as the position grew to almost $45 billion.
Elsewhere, Intel stock managed to continue its rally in 2026 as investors seemingly began rotating out of Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) after its market capitalization soared above $5 trillion in late 2025.
Year-to-date (YTD), NVDA stock is up 3.17% while its smaller peers – Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) and Intel – are up 131% and 205%, respectively.
Wall Street sets Intel stock price target for the next 12 months
Lastly, Wall Street analysts, on average, appear uncertain if INTC will be able to retain its upward momentum and consider it, overall, a ‘Hold’ while expecting a moderate correction within the next 12 months.
Still, the most recent rating revision – the one issued on July 2 by HSBC’s Frank Lee – demonstrated that bulls have far from capitulated as it featured a ‘Buy’ recommendation and a $200 price target – a 100% lift from the same expert’s previous $100 forecast.
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