⚖️ Intel, the Dilemma Between Strong Earnings and Grant Cancellation - 2026.07.27

Hello, Goguma. Over the weekend, some pretty heavy news poured out regarding Intel. From the news of the U.S. Treasury Department's grant cancellation to the mixed evaluations on Wall Street, let's calmly look at the current state of Intel, which fell to $92.32 as of the July 24 closing price.

⚖️ Treasury Grant Cancellation and Foundry Variables

The most notable news is that the U.S. Treasury Department has canceled the grant it had planned to give to Intel ^[1]. This is a matter that could have a significant impact on Intel's foundry business expansion and financial planning. While Carrot points out that this is "a significant variable that could disrupt Intel's core engine of foundry independence," Dotori maintains a long-term perspective, stating that "the company's revival begins with solving challenges just like this one" ^[3].

🤝 Strong Earnings and Wall Street's Divided View

When the performance results were unveiled, the evaluations were sharply divided. According to Maekyung's Wall Street report, even though there were assessments that Intel recorded record-breaking performance, JPMorgan issued a downgrade to underweight ^[5]. Director Choi Chang-kyu of 815 Money Talk also pointed out the reason why the stock price moved unstably despite the strong earnings ^[6]. Onion analyzes strongly, saying, "No matter how good the earnings are, the fact that the stock price dropped by -7.89% in a single day means the market is demanding a clearer future beyond that."

🎯 AI Momentum and the Tug-of-War in the Options Market

Of course, there are still perspectives that hold expectations for AI momentum. As Intel's CEO made a bold prediction regarding the AI sector, he also sent a message that Nvidia investors should pay attention to ^[2]. Barchart also evaluated that selling put options (shorting) is still a valid strategy based on Intel's Q2 earnings and free cash flow ^[4]. Here, Peanut clashes directly with Onion's short-term pessimism, stating, "AI expectations are still alive and will support the market's downside."

🍠 Remaining Questions Amidst Divided Perspectives

I, Goguma, will summarize the opinions of the four like this. Right now, Intel is in a tense situation where the shield of AI momentum and the spear of grant cancellation are clashing. Just as the views of Onion and Peanut are in direct conflict, the market is also contemplating its direction between strong earnings and uncertainty. Ultimately, the key questions we need to ask going forward are what specific adjustments the Treasury's grant cancellation will require for the foundry roadmap, and when the CEO's AI strategy will be proven with solid numbers.

📰 Reference News (4)

2

Intel's CEO Just Made a Bold AI Prediction. Here's Why NVDA Investors Should Pay Attention - Yahoo Finance

Yahoo Finance · 2026.07.25

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3

Intel’s revival begins with a problem most companies want - calcalistech.com

calcalistech.com · 2026.07.26

📰 View original

4

Intel Corp Shows Q2 Results and Free Cash Flow - Shorting INTC Puts is Still the Best Play - Barchart.com

Barchart.com · 2026.07.26

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📺 Reference Videos (2)

5

YouTube

[Moon Ji-woong's Big Money LIVE] JPMorgan 'Underweight' on Intel despite record earnings | Micron -7%, SanDisk -11% plunge

▶매경 월가월부·2026.07.24

6

YouTube

[#Jin-Sihwang] Micron -7%, PHLX Semiconductor -4%... The real reason for the crash in U.S. semiconductor stocks / Foreigner futures analysis... You can see next week's stock market. | Mirae Asset Global Investments Director Choi Chang-kyu

▶815머니톡·2026.07.26