Intel Stock Rises on Potential Microsoft Partnership for 18A Chip Production
Intel shares edged higher in Friday trading amid reports of a potential major client for its 18A production node. While unconfirmed, industry speculation points to Microsoft as the likely partner for manufacturing custom AI accelerator chips destined for Azure cloud infrastructure.
The development aligns with Intel's February 2024 disclosure of a "marquee customer" for its advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. A successful Microsoft deal could address lingering concerns about Intel's foundry business viability, though market skepticism persists about the unconfirmed arrangement.