Intel Surges 160% in 2026, Outpacing IBM

Intel has surged over 160% year-to-date in 2026, recovering from 2025 lows near $19 to trade around $100, driven by AI infrastructure demand and foundry partnerships with companies like Foxconn. First-quarter revenue hit $13.6 billion, up 7% year-over-year, with advanced chip nodes and external foundry customers fueling optimism. IBM, trading near $290-$300, has posted steadier but less dramatic gains, supported by hybrid cloud, enterprise AI adoption, and over $10 billion in planned quantum computing investment. Analysts favor IBM for stability and consistent fundamentals, while Intel offers higher upside tied to riskier manufacturing execution goals.