10 Best Performing Semiconductor Stocks So Far in 2025

3. Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:INTC)

YTD Returns: 37%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 83

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:INTC) is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of microprocessors and semiconductor components. The company’s products power a wide range of computing devices, from personal computers to data centers and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Intel is renowned for its innovation in CPU architecture and process technology.

With a 37% rise in share price YTD, the year 2025 has been quite good so far for the company. However, Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:INTC) is currently navigating a challenging period, with substantial investments in the foundries business yet to yield significant results and continuing market share losses, particularly to Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD). The company’s shares dropped by around 60% in 2024, which appeared to be the result of a series of execution failures in launching new and advanced products over the past five years.

As a direct consequence of the declining share price and investor confidence, CEO Pat Gelsinger was forced to step down, and the company is now run by two Co-CEOs. Over the last couple of months, Intel Inc. (NASDAQ:INTC) has seen various speculations circulating, including the possibility of selling or spinning off parts of its business, being acquired by another semiconductor leader, or private equity firms taking stakes in the company. In response to reports of a potential split, a Cantor Fitzgerald analyst recently commented that, although it would be a complex deal, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:TSM) might agree to participate under favorable conditions. The analyst raised his price target on Intel Inc. (NASDAQ:INTC) from $22 to $29 on February 18, while maintaining a Neutral rating.