L'intérêt à découvert pour Intel donne aux investisseurs une idée du degré auquel les investisseurs parient sur la baisse de l'action de Intel. Les données sur l'intérêt à découvert sont mises à jour toutes les deux semaines.

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) Stock, Rapport sur les intérêts à découvert

INTEL CORP

Intel

Intel is a leading digital chipmaker, focused on the design and manufacturing of microprocessors for the global personal computer and data center markets. Intel pioneered the x86 architecture for microprocessors and was the prime proponent of Moore's law for advances in semiconductor manufacturing. Intel remains the market share leader in central processing units in both the PC and server end markets. Intel has also been expanding into new adjacencies, such as communications infrastructure, automotive, and the Internet of Things. Further, Intel expects to leverage its chip manufacturing capabilities into an outsourced foundry model where it constructs chips for others.

Intel Corp

Intchains Group Limited - American Depositary Shares

Intchains Group Ltd

As Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) reels from sweeping layoffs affecting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46226585/microsoft-cuts-9000-jobs-in-second-2025-layoff">9,100 employees</a>, an Xbox executive's suggestion to use AI chatbots for emotional support has ignited fierce backlash online.
What Happened: Last week, Matt Turnbull, a leader at Xbox Game Studios, posted on LinkedIn that laid-off workers could turn to tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to cope with job loss and navigate their next steps.
"At a time when mental energy is scarce, these tools can help get you unstuck faster, calmer and with more clarity," Turnbull wrote.
He also shared prompt suggestions, such as asking AI to act as a career coach, improve resumes, or help reframe imposter syndrome.
His post drew immediate criticism and was later deleted. The backlash was swift across social media platforms, with people calling the advice tone-deaf, particularly in light of Microsoft's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42801720/microsoft-to-invest-80-billion-in-ai-data-centers-for-fiscal-2025">ongoing $80 billion investment</a> in AI infrastructure.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/education/25/06/45983347/jensen-huang-gave-12-6-million-to-charity-then-nvidias-stock-made-it-billions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jensen Huang Gave $12.6 Million To Charity, Then Nvidia&#8217;s Stock Made It Billions</a>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The new Severance season is insanely good Matt Turnbull, Executive Producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing &#8211; after the Microsoft layoffs <a href="https://t.co/MdCbrCQ28F">pic.twitter.com/MdCbrCQ28F</a>
&mdash; Ysqander (@Ysqander) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ysqander/status/1941117997722263903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Matt Turnbull is insane to ask people going through a hard mental crisis to talk to AI. I like AI, but with the reports that AI has been helping a psychosis among people with mental health issues, it is terribly irresponsible.
&mdash; iamglory (@iamglory) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamglory/status/1942067169103376403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Matt Turnbull really told the people who got fired over A.I. to use that same A.I. to find a job &#x1f937; To keep feeding the A.I. info as they got fired for it. <a href="https://t.co/XxnNTB0sGW">https://t.co/XxnNTB0sGW</a> <a href="https://t.co/N3K1Rbwh7h">pic.twitter.com/N3K1Rbwh7h</a>
&mdash; shmeef (@shmeef_) <a href="https://twitter.com/shmeef_/status/1941212937676521684?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It's Important: The layoffs impact under <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46240607/microsoft-slashes-9000-jobs-while-mark-zuckerbergs-meta-poaches-20-million-worth-of-ai-talent-from-openai-investor-warns-of-jealousy-envy-and-helplessness-among-tech-workers-in-silic">4% of Microsoft's global workforce</a>, spanning various teams and regions. Within its gaming division — which includes Candy Crush owner King — Microsoft cut 200 jobs, continuing its workforce downsizing after shedding 6,000 roles in May.
In June, Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) cut about 140 jobs (1% of its workforce), <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46199580/microsoft-rivian-intel-slash-jobs-in-june-tech-layoff-spree">mainly in manufacturing</a>.
Bumble, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMBL#NASDAQ">BMBL</a>) announced it would lay off around 240 employees (30% of its staff) to boost efficiency and fund new product development.
Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google reduced its smart TV division by 25% (about 75 jobs) to shift resources toward AI projects.
Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) plans to cut 15–20% of its Foundry division and exit its automotive business to become more efficient.
Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings show that MSFT maintains a strong upward trend over the short, medium and long term. Its momentum score remains robust, though its value ranking is comparatively weaker. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">You can find more detailed performance data here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07020417/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-11.32.42%E2%80%AFAM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-974074" /></a></figure>
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Photo Courtesy: katuSka on Shutterstock.com
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46127671/amazon-loses-top-ai-leader-in-high-stakes-talent-shuffle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon Loses Top AI Leader In High-Stakes Talent Shuffle</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

News

Tech

BMBL

GOOG

GOOGL

INTC

MSFT

RIVN

After Microsoft Lays Off 9,100 Workers, Xbox Executive Tells Fired Workers To Turn To AI For Mental Health Help

WIIM

Intel shares are trading higher. Mizuho raised its price target on the stock from $22 to $23.

During the last three months, 14 analysts shared their evaluations of Intel (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), revealing diverse outlooks from bullish to bearish.
The following table summarizes their recent ratings, shedding light on the changing sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts have set 12-month price targets for Intel, revealing an average target of $20.14, a high estimate of $23.00, and a low estimate of $14.00. This current average has decreased by 8.45% from the previous average price target of $22.00. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1751547629_0_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Interpreting Analyst Ratings: A Closer Look</h2>
The standing of Intel among financial experts is revealed through an in-depth exploration of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Vijay Rakesh</td>
<td>Mizuho</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ross Seymore</td>
<td>Deutsche Bank</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jay Goldberg</td>
<td>Seaport Global</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Sell</td>
<td>$18.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Cassidy</td>
<td>Rosenblatt</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Sell</td>
<td>$14.00</td>
<td>$14.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Harlan Sur</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Moore</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Timothy Arcuri</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$21.00</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Cassidy</td>
<td>Rosenblatt</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Sell</td>
<td>$14.00</td>
<td>$18.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt Bryson</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$19.00</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stacy Rasgon</td>
<td>Bernstein</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$21.00</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tom O'Malley</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$19.00</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vivek Arya</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christopher Rolland</td>
<td>Susquehanna</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
<td>$24.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Timothy Arcuri</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts adapt their recommendations to changing market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their response to recent developments related to Intel. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Offering insights into predictions, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Intel compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Gaining insights, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Intel's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Considering these analyst evaluations in conjunction with other financial indicators can offer a comprehensive understanding of Intel's market position. Stay informed and make well-informed decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/INTC/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Intel analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Get to Know Intel Better</h2>
Intel is a leading digital chipmaker, focused on the design and manufacturing of microprocessors for the global personal computer and data center markets. Intel pioneered the x86 architecture for microprocessors and was the prime proponent of Moore's law for advances in semiconductor manufacturing. Intel remains the market share leader in central processing units in both the PC and server end markets. Intel has also been expanding into new adjacencies, such as communications infrastructure, automotive, and the Internet of Things. Further, Intel expects to leverage its chip manufacturing capabilities into an outsourced foundry model where it constructs chips for others.
<h3>Unraveling the Financial Story of Intel</h3>
Market Capitalization Perspectives: The company's market capitalization falls below industry averages, signaling a relatively smaller size compared to peers. This positioning may be influenced by factors such as perceived growth potential or operational scale.
Negative Revenue Trend: Examining Intel's financials over 3M reveals challenges. As of 31 March, 2025, the company experienced a decline of approximately -0.45% in revenue growth, reflecting a decrease in top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company encountered difficulties, with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Information Technology sector.
Net Margin: Intel's net margin is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of -6.48%, the company may encounter challenges in effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Intel's ROE is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of -0.83%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Return on Assets (ROA): Intel's ROA falls below industry averages, indicating challenges in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of -0.42%, the company may face hurdles in generating optimal returns from its assets.
Debt Management: The company faces challenges in debt management with a debt-to-equity ratio higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 0.5, caution is advised due to increased financial risk.
<h2>The Core of Analyst Ratings: What Every Investor Should Know</h2>
Analysts are specialists within banking and financial systems that typically report for specific stocks or within defined sectors. These people research company financial statements, sit in conference calls and meetings, and speak with relevant insiders to determine what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts will rate each stock once a quarter. 
Some analysts also offer predictions for helpful metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates to provide further guidance as to what to do with certain tickers. It is important to keep in mind that while stock and sector analysts are specialists, they are also human and can only forecast their beliefs to traders.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Analyst Ratings

Deep Dive Into Intel Stock: Analyst Perspectives (14 Ratings)

Mizuho analyst Vijay Rakesh maintains Intel (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $22 to $23.

Price Target

Mizuho Maintains Neutral on Intel, Raises Price Target to $23

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>) has underperformed the PHLX Semiconductor Index year-to-date, with returns of approximately 6% for QCOM <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/chip-stocks">compared to the index&#8217;s</a> roughly 13%.
The divergence is starker over three months, where Qualcomm&#8217;s ~6% gains pale against the index&#8217;s 30% AI-driven rally, even with U.S.-China tech restrictions.
The gap is evident when looking at its peers in the GPU and custom chip space, Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) generated ~43% returns, Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) a robust 57%, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) 35%, and Marvell Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>) ~18%.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45624771/qualcomm-eyes-alphawave-to-power-ai-and-data-center-growth-analyst-sees-strategic-fit" rel="noreferrer noopener">Qualcomm Eyes Alphawave To Power AI And Data Center Growth, Analyst Sees Strategic Fit</a>
Given this performance disparity, it&#8217;s crucial to assess Qualcomm&#8217;s current difficulties and its strategies for improvement.
Qualcomm&#8217;s core business spans chipsets, software, and products for mobile, automotive, and IoT. A notable impact on Qualcomm&#8217;s revenue stemmed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43519066/qualcomm-rides-ai-wave-to-record-quarter-but-q2-guidance-dampens-investors-dragging-the-stock-down">from the slowdown in</a> Apple Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) shipments, as Apple previously relied on Qualcomm for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/25/02/43888012/apples-in-house-modem-chip-sparks-qualcomm-concerns-3-etfs-with-key-exposure">modem chips</a> that connect iPhones to wireless networks. 
This gradual transition by Apple to its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45490266/qualcomm-re-enters-data-center-cpu-market-taps-nvidia-tech-to-power-ai-ambitions">in-house chips</a> has, in turn, spurred Qualcomm to strategically re-enter the data center CPU market, a segment currently dominated by AMD and Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>). 
Looking ahead, Qualcomm has set an ambitious goal to generate $22 billion in non-handset revenue by 2029, with AI identified as a pivotal driver for this expansion.
Central to this strategy is a planned integration of Nvidia technology into future chips to optimize GPU communication for its AI data center offerings. 
Following a prior pause on an Arm-based CPU project with Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Qualcomm has revived its data center CPU initiatives and re-engaged in discussions. Additionally, a strategic partnership with Saudi AI firm Humain is underway to co-develop a custom data center CPU.
Beyond AI, Qualcomm sees substantial growth in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46217099/autonomous-vehicles-best-stocks">autonomous vehicle market</a>. Bank of America analyst Martyn Briggs highlights this sector&#8217;s potential, likening its current trajectory to the &#8220;ChatGPT moment&#8221; in AI.
Despite its stock underperformance, Qualcomm demonstrated <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45150491/qualcomm-stock-drops-after-analysts-lower-price-targets-despite-strong-demand-from-apple-and-samsung">solid operational results</a>, exceeding second-quarter expectations with $10.84 billion in revenue and $2.85 EPS. This was driven by robust performance across its Handsets, IoT, and Automotive segments. 
Notably, Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT) revenue surged 18% year-over-year, boosted by Snapdragon adoption, AI-enabled IoT solutions, and a 59% growth in Automotive from new global OEM contracts.
Looking ahead, analysts project QCT to expand approximately 12% year-over-year in the third quarter, with IoT and Automotive forecasted to see 15% and 20% growth, respectively. 
Qualcomm&#8217;s China business remains resilient, underpinned by premium Android subsidies and consistent design wins.
For the June quarter, revenue guidance stands at $9.9 billion-$10.7 billion, with EPS projected at $2.60-$2.80. The launch of Samsung&#8217;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) Snapdragon-based foldables could provide an additional boost to handset sales.
Analyst sentiment reflects cautious optimism, with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/QCOM/analyst-ratings">consensus price forecast</a> of $186.71 based on 32 analyst ratings. Price forecasts range from a high of $270 (Tigress Financial, June 21, 2024) to a low of $140 (Wells Fargo, May 1, 2025). The average forecast of $170.67 suggests a potential 5.16% upside for Qualcomm from current levels.
Qualcomm is actively transforming its business beyond smartphones to overcome its stock underperformance against the semiconductor index and rivals. By focusing on high-growth areas like AI data center CPUs (including partnerships with Nvidia and renewed Meta discussions) and autonomous vehicles, and aiming for $22 billion in non-handset revenue by 2029, Qualcomm seeks to diversify. Despite a lagging stock, strong second-quarter results and analyst price forecasts suggest potential upside as its strategic pivot unfolds.
Price Action: Qualcomm stock is trading higher by 0.38% to $162.95 premarket at last check Thursday.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45878443/qualcomm-taps-vietnam-for-next-gen-ai-push-joining-apple-and-nvidia-in-supply-chain-shakeup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Qualcomm Taps Vietnam For Next-Gen AI Push, Joining Apple And Nvidia In Supply Chain Shakeup</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Movers

AAPL

AVGO

MRVL

NVDA

QCOM

SSNLF

Why Qualcomm's Stock Isn't Soaring Like Its Rivals

Chipmakers are likely to benefit from the &#8216;One Big Beautiful Bill Act&#8217; passed by the Senate on Tuesday, as they will be eligible for an investment tax credit that can incentivize the semiconductor business.
What Happened: According to the provisions of the tax cut bill proposed by President Donald Trump, the Big Beautiful Bill aims to temporarily increase an investment tax credit for semiconductor manufacturers till the end of 2026.
It would raise the tax credit to 30% of investments in manufacturing facilities, from the current 25%, providing stronger incentives for companies to expand domestic production.
Trump was initially critical of the Chips and Science Act, which granted awards worth $32.5417 billion and provided loans up to $5.85 billion to 32 companies, as per the <a href="https://www.semiconductors.org/chip-supply-chain-investments/">Semiconductor Industry Association</a>.
However, Trump set up a new entity, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44584283/days-after-calling-the-chips-act-a-horrible-thing-donald-trump-sets-up-new-entity-for-negotiating-much-better-deals-heres-more">United States Investment Accelerator</a>, within the Commerce Department, which now oversees the CHIPS Act program, as established by an executive order signed by him. 
The Big Beautiful Bill has now gone back to the House after<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46211326/one-big-beautiful-bill-passes-senate-with-jd-vances-tie-breaking-vote-trump-says-its-going-to-go-very-nicely-in-the-house"> narrowly passing in the Senate</a>, before the President could finally sign it to make it into a law. 
These are the top chipmakers and the existing beneficiaries of the Chips Act that will benefit from this investment tax credit mentioned within the tax cut bill.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Company Stocks</td>
<td>YTD Performance</td>
<td>One-Year Performance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)</td>
<td>13.69%</td>
<td>22.58%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>)</td>
<td>16.35%</td>
<td>56.08%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>)</td>
<td>8.21%</td>
<td>-29.94%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>)</td>
<td>5.65%</td>
<td>-20.36%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>)</td>
<td>14.83%</td>
<td>-15.49%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>)</td>
<td>15.95%</td>
<td>-21.91%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Taiwan Semiconductor Mfg. Co. Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>)</td>
<td>2.35%</td>
<td>11.34%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>)</td>
<td>8.21%</td>
<td>-29.94%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Texas Instruments Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXN#NASDAQ">TXN</a>)</td>
<td>15.32%</td>
<td>8.37%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>)</td>
<td>39.40%</td>
<td>-11.02%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCHP#NASDAQ">MCHP</a>)</td>
<td>28.62%</td>
<td>-21.82%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Analog Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADI#NASDAQ">ADI</a>)</td>
<td>15.99%</td>
<td>6.58%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Coherent Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COHR#NYSE">COHR</a>)</td>
<td>-12.16%</td>
<td>19.63%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corning Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLW#NYSE">GLW</a>)</td>
<td>12.87%</td>
<td>37.22%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Entegris Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENTG#NASDAQ">ENTG</a>)</td>
<td>-11.08%</td>
<td>-38.54%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Globalfoundries Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GFS#NASDAQ">GFS</a>)</td>
<td>-6.90%</td>
<td>-22.05%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46188237/bill-gates-is-betting-two-thirds-of-his-foundations-portfolio-in-these-3-stocks">Bill Gates Is Betting Two-Thirds Of His Foundation&#8217;s Portfolio In These 3 Stocks</a>
Why It Matters: On March 4, during his joint address to Congress, Trump said, "Your Chips Act is a horrible, horrible thing."
He also urged U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to "get rid" of it and use "whatever is left over" to "reduce debt or any other reason you want to."
However, the Trump administration has skipped repealing the act with the Investment Accelerator entity and even managed to get the semiconductor firms to invest in the U.S. over and above the Chips Act this year.
In early March, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) revealed its plans to inject $100 billion into U.S. advanced semiconductor manufacturing, significantly expanding its ongoing $65 billion Arizona initiative under the Chips Act and bringing total investment to $165 billion.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43910982/apple-commits-500-billion-in-us-investment-for-ai-push-boost-us-manufacturing-tech">committed over $500 billion</a> to U.S. investments, focusing on AI, silicon engineering, and expanding advanced manufacturing. 
Price Action: The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, edged higher on Wednesday. The SPY was up 0.45% at $620.45, while the QQQ advanced 0.70% to $550.80, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46216283/dan-ives-urges-apple-to-make-a-move-saying-that-perplexity-acquisition-is-a-no-brainer-its-a-matter-of-when-and-not-if">Dan Ives Urges Apple &#8216;To Make A Move,&#8217; Saying That Perplexity Acquisition Is &#8216;A No-Brainer&#8217;: &#8216;It&#8217;s A Matter Of When And Not If&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Equities

AMAT

COHR

ENTG

MCHP

Nvidia, Intel, Broadcom, Micron, AMD And Other Chipmakers Stand To Benefit As Trump's Tax Bill Increases Incentives To Make Semiconductors In US

Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGTI#NASDAQ">RGTI</a>) is back in the spotlight. After a punishing stretch in 2022 and 2023, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/quantum-computing">the quantum computing firm</a> has staged a remarkable turnaround—its stock soaring more than 1,000% over the past year. Now, Wall Street is starting to take notice. On Wednesday, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Troy Jensen initiated coverage on Rigetti with an Overweight rating and a bullish $15 price target.
Although the stocks have all experienced meaningful appreciation and are trading at steep valuations based on any near-term revenue or earnings forecast, Jensen still noted upside given the strategic value of quantum computing.
According to the analyst, of the primary technologies believed to be capable of reaching quantum status, superconducting has seen the most investment.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/05/45353123/quantum-stocks-are-hot-in-2025-biggest-movers-to-watch" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum Stocks Are Hot In 2025: Biggest Movers To Watch</a>
While Rigetti is competing with Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google, International Business Machines Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>), Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Jensen noted that this ecosystem of technology leaders will help pave the way toward quantum capabilities within superconducting and position Rigetti to benefit from the efforts of others.
The analyst applauded Rigetti&#8217;s announced partnership with Quanta Computer and noted that this strategic collaboration will help accelerate the development and commercialization of superconducting quantum computing. As part of this partnership, both companies committed to investing at least $250 million over five years, including Quanta investing $35 million in Rigetti through a stock purchase in April, he said. 
The collaboration will enable Rigetti to focus on quantum technology, while Quanta concentrates on packaging and manufacturing, leveraging their expertise in servers and notebooks, Jensen noted.
The analyst noted that after challenging 2022 and 2023, Rigetti&#8217;s share price has rallied since late 2024, increasing by approximately 1,008% over the last 52 weeks.
He said that Rigetti is in the very early innings of commercializing its technology.
Rigetti can capture 15% of the quantum hardware, software, and services market by 2035, which, at a 10% discount rate, equates to a revenue present value of $477 million, Jensen noted.
While the price performances of other pure-play quantum computing stocks are flat to up year-to-date, the analyst noted Rigetti&#8217;s 22% year-to-date correction as an opportunity to accumulate shares.
Jensen projected second-quarter revenue of $1.8 million and EPS of $(0.06).
Price Action: RGTI stock is up 10.4% at $12.52 at last check Wednesday.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/25/06/45832398/ionq-buys-oxford-ionics-in-1-075-billion-deal-to-supercharge-quantum-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IonQ Buys Oxford Ionics In $1.075 Billion Deal To Supercharge Quantum Tech</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Initiation

Trading Ideas

RGTI

Quantum Computing's Dark Horse Rigetti Stands At The Edge Of Greatness

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/11/25</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
<td>$63.0K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>18.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSFT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/03/25</td>
<td>$492.50</td>
<td>$29.9K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td>6.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AVGO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>07/11/25</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>$60.5K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td>2.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ORCL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
<td>$161.4K</td>
<td>8.7K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TEAM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/11/25</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
<td>$84.0K</td>
<td>55</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRWV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/01/25</td>
<td>$157.50</td>
<td>$65.2K</td>
<td>63</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/17/25</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
<td>$71.4K</td>
<td>5.8K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CORZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$18.00</td>
<td>$40.4K</td>
<td>14.7K</td>
<td>712</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>$58.4K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td>571</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FSLR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/11/25</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$150.0K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td>521</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For MSTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 9 day(s) on July 11, 2025. This event was a transfer of 3000 contract(s) at a $225.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $63.0K, with a price of $21.0 per contract. There were 1304 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 18902 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MSFT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 1 day(s) on July 3, 2025. This event was a transfer of 265 contract(s) at a $492.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.9K, with a price of $113.0 per contract. There were 2065 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 6811 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AVGO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 9 day(s) on July 11, 2025. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $270.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 9 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $60.5K, with a price of $605.0 per contract. There were 1841 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2902 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ORCL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 44 day(s) on August 15, 2025. This event was a transfer of 120 contract(s) at a $220.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $161.4K, with a price of $1345.0 per contract. There were 8729 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1401 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding TEAM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEAM#NASDAQ">TEAM</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 9 day(s) on July 11, 2025. Parties traded 1200 contract(s) at a $220.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $84.0K, with a price of $70.0 per contract. There were 55 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1200 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CRWV (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 30 day(s) on August 1, 2025. This event was a transfer of 25 contract(s) at a $157.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $65.2K, with a price of $2610.0 per contract. There were 63 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1133 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding INTC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 107 day(s) on October 17, 2025. Parties traded 300 contract(s) at a $22.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $71.4K, with a price of $238.0 per contract. There were 5858 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1054 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CORZ (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CORZ#NASDAQ">CORZ</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 44 day(s) on August 15, 2025. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $18.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 7 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $40.4K, with a price of $202.0 per contract. There were 14760 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 712 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AMD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), we observe a put option sweep with neutral sentiment. It expires in 44 day(s) on August 15, 2025. Parties traded 86 contract(s) at a $135.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 9 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $58.4K, with a price of $680.0 per contract. There were 4483 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 571 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding FSLR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 9 day(s) on July 11, 2025. Parties traded 410 contract(s) at a $185.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 21 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $150.0K, with a price of $360.0 per contract. There were 1664 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 521 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

Core Scientific, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

CORZ

CRWV

FSLR

MSTR

ORCL

TEAM

10 Information Technology Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) shares are trading lower Wednesday afternoon following a report that CEO Lip-Bu Tan is considering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46212727/intel-ceo-lip-bu-tan-weighs-ending-marketing-of-expensive-chip-manufacturing-as-losses-mount-and-rival-tsmc-surges-ahead-report">strategic pivot</a> away from marketing its costly 18A chipmaking process to external clients, per a Reuters report.
What To Know: The potential move comes as the semiconductor giant grapples with substantial financial losses and intense competition from industry leader Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.
Per Reuters, sources familiar with the matter indicate Tan is skeptical about the external sales viability of the 18A process, which has incurred billions in development costs but has failed to attract major customers. Halting this foundry effort could lead to a substantial write-off, potentially in the hundreds of millions.
In response, Reuters reported Intel stated it doesn&#8217;t comment on hypotheticals but confirmed its commitment to using the 18A process for its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46212727/intel-ceo-lip-bu-tan-weighs-ending-marketing-of-expensive-chip-manufacturing-as-losses-mount-and-rival-tsmc-surges-ahead-report">internal products</a>, such as the upcoming Panther Lake laptop processor. The company will also honor existing agreements with Amazon and Microsoft.
This reevaluation marks a critical juncture for Intel, which posted a staggering $18.8 billion loss in 2024. The discussions, which could begin this month, suggest a strategic shift towards the next-generation 14A process, which Intel believes will offer a more competitive edge against TSMC in the fierce global chip race.
Price Action: According to data from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>, INTC shares are trading lower by 3.4% to $22.07 Wednesday afternoon. The stock has a 52-week high of $37.16 and a 52-week low of $17.66.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46219423/taiwan-semiconductor-outperforming-the-market-shows-moatbut-it-comes-with-risk">Taiwan Semiconductor Outperforming The Market Shows Moat, But It Comes With Risk</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How To Buy INTC Stock</h2>
By now you're likely curious about how to participate in the market for Intel &#8211; be it to purchase shares, or even attempt to bet against the company.
Buying shares is typically done through a brokerage account. You can find a list of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-stock-trading-platforms">possible trading platforms here.</a> Many will allow you to buy &#8220;fractional shares,&#8221; which allows you to own portions of stock without buying an entire share.
In the case of Intel, which is trading at $22.27 as of publishing time, $100 would buy you 4.49 shares of stock.
If you're looking to bet against a company, the process is more complex. You'll need access to an options trading platform, or a broker who will allow you to &#8220;go short&#8221; a share of stock by lending you the shares to sell. The process of shorting a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock">stock can be found at this resource.</a> Otherwise, if your broker allows you to trade options, you can either buy a put option, or sell a call option at a strike price above where shares are currently trading &#8211; either way it allows you to profit off of the share price decline.
Image: Shutterstock

Intel (INTC) Stock Falls On Report Of Major Chip Strategy Shift

Intel shares are trading lower after reports suggesting CEO Lip-Bu Tan is evaluating whether to stop marketing the company's 18A chipmaking process to outside customers.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tsmc" rel="noreferrer noopener">stock surged 14%</a> year-to-date, beating the market considerably despite Washington&#8217;s tariff policies and semiconductor sanctions cast a shadow over a sustained AI frenzy.
During the same period, the PHLX Semiconductor Index, of which Taiwan Semiconductor is also a constituent, generated 11% returns.
S&amp;P 500 and NASDAQ Composite Indexes generated approximately 5% returns during the period.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/46172107" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s Affiliate Fast-Tracks Singapore Plant Spurred By Geopolitics</a>
The key supplier of Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has generated 32% returns in the last three months, compared to 29% for PHLX Semiconductor, 10% for the S&amp;P 500, and 16% for the Nasdaq Composite.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Risks</h2>
The Trump administration has also explored <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46105742/nvidia-supplier-taiwan-semiconductor-wants-to-raise-10-billion-for-this-risk-it-cannot-control" rel="noreferrer noopener">plans to end</a> waivers for chipmakers to prevent the export of American technology to China.
Apart from the geopolitical risk, TSMC is also susceptible to currency risk due to high U.S. dollar exposure. The company&#8217;s overseas unit, Taiwan Semiconductor Global, faces a currency risk – the Taiwanese dollar is strengthening against the now volatile and weakening U.S. dollar.
TSMC Global Ltd. is preparing to raise $10 billion by issuing new shares to manage currency volatility and maintain capital flexibility. This marks the third such equity move since 2024, and it is the largest to date. The timing coincides with the recent appreciation of the Taiwan dollar.
TSMC&#8217;s CEO C. C. Wei informed shareholders this month that the stronger currency has reduced the firm&#8217;s operating margin by several percentage points.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Earnings and Market Share</h2>
In April, Taiwan Semiconductor reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44857887/taiwan-semiconductor-q1-surges-41-in-sales-boosted-by-ai-chip-demand-expanded-margins" rel="noreferrer noopener">first-quarter net sales</a> of $25.53 billion (839.25 billion New Taiwanese Dollars), up 41.6% year-over-year, topping the analyst consensus estimate of $23.92 billion. However, the net sales declined&nbsp;3.4% Q/Q. In U.S. dollar terms, revenue growth was 35.3% Y/Y and down by 5.1% Q/Q.
Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s AI technology moat helped it expand its quarterly gross margins by 572 bps to 58.8%.
In March, Taiwan Semiconductor chief&nbsp;C.C. Wei&nbsp;announced&nbsp;an additional&nbsp;$100 billion&nbsp;investment&nbsp;in U.S. chipmaking (on top of the $65 billion announced in April 2024).
The chipmaker explored commercializing its&nbsp;advanced 2-nanometer process&nbsp;using gate-all-around (GAA) technology in the second half of 2025.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45953943/taiwan-semiconductor-eyes-rollout-of-2nm-advanced-tech-chips-this-year" rel="noreferrer noopener">expected to equip</a> its upcoming iPhone 18 lineup with Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s advanced 2nm A20 chip.
Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) and Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) have also selected Taiwan Semiconductor to manufacture chips using the same cutting-edge 2nm process.
Taiwan Semiconductor grew its market share to 67.6% in the first quarter of 2025 from 67.1% in the previous quarter, Focus Taiwan <a target="_blank" href="https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202506140017" rel="noreferrer noopener">cited</a> Trendforce. Samsung Electronics (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) held a 7.7% global market share, down from 8.1% Q/Q.
The top 10 contract chipmakers reported $36.4 billion in sales in the first quarter, down ~5.4% Q/Q. They account for ~97% of the global total, up from 96% in the fourth quarter.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Analyst Opinion</h2>
Taiwan Semiconductor has a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TSM/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus price forecast</a> of $210.8 based on the ratings of 6 analysts. The high is $270, issued by Needham on July 1, 2025. With an average price forecast of $255 between Needham, Susquehanna, and Barclays, there&#8217;s an implied 12.90% upside for Taiwan Semiconductor from these most recent analyst ratings.
Last week, Cathie Wood-led Ark Invest <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/06/46066220/cathie-woods-ark-invest-cashes-out-109-million-out-of-circle-internet-stock-as-shares-spike-pivots-into-robinhood-and-these-chip-stocks" rel="noreferrer noopener">acquired 65,102 shares</a> of Taiwan Semiconductor.
Price Action:&nbsp;TSM stock traded higher by 0.33% at $225.43 premarket at the last check on Wednesday.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46195619/broadcom-outpaced-major-indexes-in-2025-what-went-down" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broadcom Outpaced Major Indexes In 2025 &#8211; What Went Down</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by wakamatsu via Shutterstock

Taiwan Semiconductor Outperforming The Market Shows Moat, But It Comes With Risk

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) CEO Lip-Bu Tan is reportedly evaluating whether to stop marketing the company's costly 18A chipmaking process to outside customers, a move that could signal a major strategic pivot amid mounting financial losses and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45335671/morris-chang-once-talked-about-how-intel-turned-down-his-vision-for-tsmc-fast-forward-to-today-and-the-taiwanese-chipmaker-has-outgrown-intel-in-market-value-by-hundreds-of-billions">fierce competition</a> from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>)
What Happened: Tan has grown skeptical of continuing external sales of 18A and its variant 18A-P — advanced manufacturing processes that have cost Intel billions to develop, but have struggled to attract major customers, reported Reuters, citing two people familiar with the matter.
Scrapping the effort could trigger a write-off potentially amounting to hundreds of millions or more, the report said.
Responding to the publication, Intel declined to comment on "hypothetical scenarios," but said it plans to use 18A for its own upcoming chips, including the Panther Lake laptop processor expected in late 2025. Intel will also fulfill limited existing commitments to Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) using 18A.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/education/25/06/45983347/jensen-huang-gave-12-6-million-to-charity-then-nvidias-stock-made-it-billions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jensen Huang Gave $12.6 Million To Charity, Then Nvidia's Stock Made It Billions</a>
"Lip-Bu and the executive team are committed to strengthening our roadmap, building trust with our customers, and improving our financial position for the future," the company told the publication.
Why It's Important: Tan is now shifting focus toward 14A, a next-generation process Intel believes may offer stronger advantages over TSMC's advanced nodes, the report added.
Discussions with the board could take place as early as this month, though a final decision may not come until fall.
The deliberations mark one of the most significant strategic inflection points for Intel under Tan's leadership. After posting an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44640394/tsmc-to-take-20-stake-in-joint-venture-with-intel-amid-us-chipmakers-struggles-with-188-billion-net-loss-in-2024-report">$18.8 billion loss in 2024</a>—its first unprofitable year since 1986—the company is under pressure to revamp its foundry business and regain technological leadership in a global chip race dominated by TSMC.
Intel's most recently reported quarterly revenue was $12.67 billion. For the full year ending December 2024, the company generated $53 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46058862/nvidia-intel-chip-stocks-ai-valuation-revenue">billion in total revenue</a>.
Price Action: Intel (INTC) shares rose 2.01% during Tuesday's regular session and edged up an additional 0.18% in after-hours trading, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>. The stock is up 13.01% year-to-date but has dropped 26.46% over the past 12 months.
Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings indicate that INTC shows a solid upward trend in the short and medium term but trends downward over the long term. While its value ranking remains strong, its momentum score is weaker. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">More detailed performance data is available here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/02004926/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-10.15.48%E2%80%AFAM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-969626" /></a></figure>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46127671/amazon-loses-top-ai-leader-in-high-stakes-talent-shuffle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon Loses Top AI Leader In High-Stakes Talent Shuffle</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Tada Images/ Shutterstock.com
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Media

AMZN

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan Weighs Ending Marketing Of Expensive Chip Manufacturing As Losses Mount And Rival TSMC Surges Ahead: Report

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/03/25</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$140.1K</td>
<td>63.1K</td>
<td>190.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/03/25</td>
<td>$207.50</td>
<td>$44.8K</td>
<td>22.8K</td>
<td>104.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PLTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/03/25</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$25.7K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
<td>14.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/03/25</td>
<td>$410.00</td>
<td>$98.7K</td>
<td>12.8K</td>
<td>12.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>QCOM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/11/25</td>
<td>$162.50</td>
<td>$195.0K</td>
<td>455</td>
<td>4.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BBAI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$8.00</td>
<td>$120.2K</td>
<td>3.9K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$275.2K</td>
<td>20.1K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSFT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$86.2K</td>
<td>3.3K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CSCO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$476.0K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td>562</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SOUN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/03/25</td>
<td>$9.50</td>
<td>$33.2K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td>470</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 2 day(s) on July 3, 2025. This event was a transfer of 1000 contract(s) at a $155.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 7 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $140.1K, with a price of $140.0 per contract. There were 63157 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 190687 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 2 day(s) on July 3, 2025. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $207.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $44.8K, with a price of $224.0 per contract. There were 22865 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 104991 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding PLTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on July 3, 2025. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $130.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 8 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.7K, with a price of $257.0 per contract. There were 2792 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 14750 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MSTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on July 3, 2025. Parties traded 2759 contract(s) at a $410.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 125 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $98.7K, with a price of $36.0 per contract. There were 12819 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 12441 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For QCOM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 10 day(s) on July 11, 2025. This event was a transfer of 1000 contract(s) at a $162.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $195.0K, with a price of $195.0 per contract. There were 455 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4330 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For BBAI (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBAI#NYSE">BBAI</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 199 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 650 contract(s) at a $8.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $120.2K, with a price of $185.0 per contract. There were 3934 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2763 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For INTC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 171 day(s) on December 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 2500 contract(s) at a $30.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 31 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $275.2K, with a price of $110.0 per contract. There were 20126 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2536 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MSFT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 199 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 8 contract(s) at a $400.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $86.2K, with a price of $10786.0 per contract. There were 3382 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1716 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding CSCO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSCO#NASDAQ">CSCO</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 563 day(s) on January 15, 2027. Parties traded 560 contract(s) at a $70.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 19 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $476.0K, with a price of $850.0 per contract. There were 1464 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 562 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SOUN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOUN#NASDAQ">SOUN</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 2 day(s) on July 3, 2025. This event was a transfer of 400 contract(s) at a $9.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $33.2K, with a price of $83.0 per contract. There were 1150 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 470 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

BBAI

CSCO

PLTR

SOUN

10 Information Technology Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

The month of June saw a fresh wave of layoffs across the technology sector, with companies both large and small making significant workforce reductions as they adapt to shifting market demands and the growing influence<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46197734/metas-superintelligence-lab-wants-to-outthink-the-world-and-scale-ai-dna-is-all-over-it"> of artificial intelligence.</a>
Rivian: Last month, electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) reduced its headcount by approximately 140 employees, about 1% of its workforce.&nbsp;
The layoffs primarily impacted the manufacturing team as the company seeks to streamline operations ahead of<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45642153/rivian-ceo-rj-scaringe-touts-45000-rivian-r2s-updated-rear-suspension-cant-wait-for-folks"> its upcoming</a> R2 SUV launch.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46182769/what-happened-with-apple-stock-today?utm_source=articleShare">What Happened With Apple Stock Today?</a>
Bumble: Online dating platform Bumble, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMBL#NASDAQ">BMBL</a>) announced in June that it would cut around 240 jobs, about 30% of its workforce.
According to an SEC filing, the move is intended to boost operational efficiency so that the company can use the savings toward the development of new products and technologies.
Google: Alphabet, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) Google also made significant cuts in June, downsizing its smart TV division by 25% which affected up to 75 employees. The company said it is shifting focus and investment toward AI projects as it trims funding for its Google TV and Android TV initiatives by 10%.
Intel: Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) announced plans to lay off between 15% and 20% of its Intel Foundry division as part of a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/45835075/intels-dual-gamble-ai-innovation-now-foundry-fortunes-later">broader effort</a> to become leaner and more efficient. The company is also winding down its automotive business.
Other notable layoffs include 90 employees at Playtika, 25 employees at Airtime, and another round of cuts at Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), which followed May's reduction of over 6,500 jobs.
Microsoft's layoffs <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46076895/microsofts-layoffs-news-july-2025-ai-investment-80-billion">affected roles across</a> engineering, product management, marketing and legal.
The wave of tech layoffs in June reflects the industry&#8217;s ongoing transformation as companies prioritize AI and automation while seeking efficiency and innovation in an uncertain economy.&nbsp;
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/06/46185205/rocket-lab-breaks-records-and-stock-up-640-in-past-year-ast-spacemobile-impresses-defense-kuiper-grows">Shooting Stars: Rocket Lab Breaks Records (And Stock Up 640% In Past Year), AST SpaceMobile Impresses Defense, Kuiper Grows</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock&nbsp;

Large Cap

Microsoft, Rivian, Intel Slash Jobs In June Tech Layoff Spree

SMCI

Super Micro Computer Announces Intel Certification For BigTwin Multi-Node Server With 5th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processors

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Information Technology sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/03/25</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$38.5K</td>
<td>63.3K</td>
<td>34.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/03/25</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$37.0K</td>
<td>11.6K</td>
<td>30.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/03/25</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
<td>$29.5K</td>
<td>22.0K</td>
<td>10.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FSLR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/03/25</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$25.2K</td>
<td>80</td>
<td>4.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SMCI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$34.4K</td>
<td>7.6K</td>
<td>4.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ORCL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
<td>$79.3K</td>
<td>9.1K</td>
<td>3.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$420.00</td>
<td>$196.0K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AVGO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/03/25</td>
<td>$275.00</td>
<td>$44.8K</td>
<td>112</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$202.5K</td>
<td>17.7K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>QUBT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$42.0K</td>
<td>3.1K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 3 day(s) on July 3, 2025. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $155.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $38.5K, with a price of $385.0 per contract. There were 63355 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 34889 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 3 day(s) on July 3, 2025. Parties traded 179 contract(s) at a $200.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $37.0K, with a price of $207.0 per contract. There were 11691 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 30132 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding INTC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 3 day(s) on July 3, 2025. Parties traded 1969 contract(s) at a $23.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.5K, with a price of $15.0 per contract. There were 22075 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 10658 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For FSLR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 3 day(s) on July 3, 2025. This event was a transfer of 2800 contract(s) at a $200.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.2K, with a price of $9.0 per contract. There were 80 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4611 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SMCI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 18 day(s) on July 18, 2025. This event was a transfer of 292 contract(s) at a $55.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.4K, with a price of $118.0 per contract. There were 7682 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4503 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ORCL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 46 day(s) on August 15, 2025. This event was a transfer of 77 contract(s) at a $220.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 9 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $79.3K, with a price of $1030.0 per contract. There were 9141 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3272 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MSTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 18 day(s) on July 18, 2025. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $420.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $196.0K, with a price of $980.0 per contract. There were 2032 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2809 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AVGO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 3 day(s) on July 3, 2025. Parties traded 108 contract(s) at a $275.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 26 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $44.8K, with a price of $415.0 per contract. There were 112 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2515 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AMD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 46 day(s) on August 15, 2025. This event was a transfer of 300 contract(s) at a $150.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 33 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $202.5K, with a price of $675.0 per contract. There were 17773 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2337 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding QUBT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QUBT#NASDAQ">QUBT</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 46 day(s) on August 15, 2025. Parties traded 200 contract(s) at a $20.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $42.0K, with a price of $210.0 per contract. There were 3117 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1881 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

QUBT

Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) just did the unimaginable: it leaped over Microsoft to become the most valuable company in the world on Thursday, with a market capitalization crossing $3.7 trillion. But as the chipmaker solidifies its position as the foundation of the AI era, one segment of Wall Street is somewhat lagging behind — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">semiconductor ETFs</a>.
Despite Nvidia&#8217;s historical rise, some of the largest ETFs that follow the semiconductor space are still predominantly weighted toward legacy chipmakers —companies that dominated the PC and mobile era, but whose trajectories are now threatened by the AI revolution.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/05/45574690/nvidia-amd-and-the-ai-arms-race-3-explosive-etfs-to-watch-right-now">Nvidia, AMD And The AI Arms Race: 3 Explosive ETFs To Watch Right Now</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Not All Chip ETFs Are Built For The AI Race</h2>
Take a look at the two heavyweights: the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) and the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>). Both have seen strong returns, thanks in large part to Nvidia's outperformance, but scratch beneath the surface, and you'll notice they still allocate sizable weight to companies like Intel (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), Texas Instruments (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXN#NASDAQ">TXN</a>), and Qualcomm (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>), which haven't benefited nearly as much from the AI arms race.
SMH, for example, has Nvidia at about 20.5%, and Intel continues to hold on to a healthy 3.7% of the portfolio in spite of its failure to gain ground in the GPU segment. SOXX&#8217;s own positioning is similarly slanted — Nvidia is a top holding, but legacy companies comprise a bigger-than-anticipated portion of the roster.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AI Winners Vs. Legacy Players</h2>
Here&#8217;s the irony: Nvidia&#8217;s success is being fueled to a great extent by hyperscalers such as Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet — firms which are building out AI infrastructure at a very fast clip. That demand, in turn, is fueling interest in AI-focused semiconductors — GPUs, networking processors, model-training memory, optimized memory, and even the tailor-made AI chips manufactured by companies such as Broadcom and Marvell Technology.
But most broad semiconductor ETFs still portray an outdated vision of the industry, one still led by general-purpose computing and consumer hardware cycles, rather than AI computing.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The ETF Innovators Catching On</h2>
There are some ETFs that have turned. The Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXQ#NASDAQ">SOXQ</a>) and the SPDR S&amp;P Semiconductor ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XSD#NYSE">XSD</a>) do it differently. XSD is equal-weighted, reducing Nvidia&#8217;s weighting but offering a more equalized reflection of the sector, including newer or niche companies such as Ambarella (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMBA#NASDAQ">AMBA</a>) and Advanced Micro Devices&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), which are also being boosted by AI-related trends.
And then there are thematic ETFs such as the Roundhill Generative AI ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHAT#NYSE">CHAT</a>), not semiconductor pure plays, but more representative of next-generation AI infrastructure, including semis that actually underpin the boom.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Concentration Conundrum</h2>
Nvidia&#8217;s ascent has also brought a novel challenge: the risk of concentration. SMH and SOXX each have more than one-fifth of their portfolios invested in a single stock, a fantastic ride on the way up, but potentially perilous if attitudes reverse.
That risk is aggravated by underperformance from other holdings. Intel, for example, has fallen about 27% in the past year. So while the front-page ETF returns appear solid, they&#8217;re disproportionately reliant on a single ticker.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Time For A Chip ETF Makeover?</h2>
Investors betting on the future of semiconductors might need to rethink their exposure. In an AI-dominated world, chipmakers are no longer a monolith, and ETFs that treat them as such may underdeliver.
As Nvidia continues to achieve milestones and propel the AI ecosystem forward, the question for ETF issuers is simple: Will they adapt for the AI age, or continue playing the greatest hits of the previous chip cycle?
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/new-etfs/25/06/46147754/goldman-just-launched-two-new-bond-etfs-heres-why-investors-should-pay-attention">Goldman Just Launched Two New Bond ETFs; Here&#8217;s Why Investors Should Pay Attention</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Evolf on Shutterstock.com

Sector ETFs

ETFs

AMBA

CHAT

LSCC

SOXQ

iShares PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index Fund

SOXX

Nvidia Just Became The World's Most Valuable Stock; Is It Time For A Semiconductor ETF Rethink?

With a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/06/46082397/oil-prices-tumble-as-israel-iran-ceasefire-takes-shape-for-now">tenuous ceasefire</a> between Israel and Iran still in place, Wall Street's attention is shifting toward the other contentious geopolitical issue: frayed relations between the U.S. and China. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump sent shockwaves across the global community by launching a series of tariffs, which continues to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46109160/japans-top-trade-negotiator-calls-trumps-25-auto-tariffs-unacceptable-amid-ongoing-talks">cloud trade relations</a>. However, the administration has also signaled an unwillingness to rock the boat unnecessarily, which may bode well for chipmaker Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>).
Presently, Intel occupies an unenviable position. While INTC stock may be up nearly 12% — and thus handily beating the benchmark Nasdaq Composite, which is up only 4% during the same frame — this performance can't overlook the broader volatility. Over the past 52 weeks, INTC slipped roughly 27%, reflecting the consequences of various missteps and competitive pressures.
Even worse, last Friday, multiple semiconductor companies — including powerhouses like Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) — fell due to an unexpected report that Washington <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46035836/nvidia-broadcom-marvell-and-other-chip-stocks-fall-on-unexpected-us-move">may end waivers for chipmakers</a> to send American technology to China. For Intel, this matter is particularly worrisome because a significant portion of the company's manufacturing and sales is tied to China.
Nevertheless, there may be reason for optimism. While Trump routinely utilizes tough rhetoric, he has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/06/45715677/tom-lee-bets-on-a-new-bull-market-as-trumps-tariff-retreat-fuels-taco-trade-amid-run-it-hot-optimism">consistently walked back</a> the intensity of his proposals. Therefore, a push to end waivers — which could easily hurt America's top corporations — probably won't go over too well. Further, there's a very real possibility that Trump himself recognizes this reality.
For example, Trump signaled that he wants a quick <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/24/trump-is-seeking-a-quick-us-exit-from-israel-iran-conflict-will-it-work">solution</a> to the Israel-Iran conflict. It's a similar tone to his much-covered take that he could <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/01/30598126/donald-trump-offers-to-end-putins-war-within-24-hours-of-negotiation-so-easy-to-do">end the Ukraine-Russia conflict in 24 hours</a>. Generally, the market performs better when geopolitical stability isn't constantly threatened.
Plus, the enormous pressure Trump is applying on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46077396/powell-interest-rates-trump-inflation-tariffs">cut interest rates</a> would be odd if the administration didn't care about Wall Street. So, this might not be the end of INTC stock.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Making The Statistical Case For INTC Stock</h2>
While the fundamental and political backdrop may be conducive for a bullish position in INTC stock, the harsh reality is that these factors lack specificity. Without a clear forecast for magnitude (y-axis) and expected movement timeframe (x-axis), these storylines aren't useful for options traders. Because options expire, both magnitude and time components must be addressed.
To remedy this problem requires statistical analysis, which is a difficult process in finance. Ordinarily, one might be tempted to take the frequency of the desired outcome and divide it by the total number of events in the dataset. This process only calculates the derivative probability or the outcome odds across the entire dataset's distribution. What traders need is the conditional probability — outcome odds across a specific subset of the data.
To use a baseball analogy, derivative probabilities are akin to the batting average over an entire season. Conditional probabilities represent situational batting averages, which are much more useful for in-game tactics.
Unfortunately, applying conditional probabilities is practically impossible in the stock market because share prices fluctuate continuously, which is known as the non-stationarity problem. To impose the necessary stationarity requires conversion of historical price data into discrete states or states that have defined boundaries. For equities, compression into market breadth — or sequences of accumulative and distributive sessions — provides arguably an effective solution.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/26145703/INTC-stock-10wk-forecast-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-963865" style="width:920px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/26145703/INTC-stock-10wk-forecast-1024x576.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/26145703/INTC-stock-10wk-forecast-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/26145703/INTC-stock-10wk-forecast-768x432.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/26145703/INTC-stock-10wk-forecast.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by author</figcaption></figure>
Currently, the price action of INTC stock can be converted as a "6-4-U" sequence: six up weeks, four down weeks, with a net positive trajectory across the 10-week period. Admittedly, this conversion compresses INTC's magnitude dynamism into a simple binary code. But now, the chaos of the stock's price discovery can be categorized into distinct, discrete behavioral states across 10-week intervals. Subsequently, this calculation then serves as the backbone of past analogs, which can then be used to derive forward probabilities.
Because of the above compression, it's possible to calculate that when the 6-4-U sequence flashes, the next week's price action has a 55.06% chance of rising, with a median return of 2.59%. From the current share price, INTC stock may be on track to exceed the $23 level.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Taking What The Market Will Give You</h2>
So, why is the above calculation important? Take a look at the 22.50/23 bull call spread expiring July 18. This transaction involves buying the $22.50 call and simultaneously selling the $23 call, for a net debit paid of $24 (the most that can be lost in the trade). Should INTC stock rise through the short strike price ($23) at expiration, the maximum reward is $26, a payout of over 108%.
Market makers likely view INTC stock hitting $23 as a low-probability event; hence, the high payout. However, based on past analogs, INTC appears to have a solid chance of reaching this target. It's worth pointing out that in the business week beginning Aug. 26, 2024, INTC charted a 6-4-U sequence. At the end of it, the stock skyrocketed for the business week beginning Nov. 4.
Also, as a baseline, the chance that a long position in INTC stock will be profitable over any given week is only 52%. Granted, the 6-4-U provides a modest upgrade in favorable odds. Still, the point remains that the framework incentivizes a bullish posture as opposed to a bearish one. Combined with the potentially encouraging fundamentals, Intel is a name to keep on the radar.
The opinions and views expressed in this content are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Benzinga. Benzinga is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information provided herein. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be misconstrued as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Readers are asked not to rely on the opinions or information herein, and encouraged to do their own due diligence before making investing decisions.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options/25/06/46103204/pbr-stock-tenuous-ceasefire-discount-opportunity">Options Corner: A Tenuous Ceasefire Keeps Petrobras In Play For Opportunistic Traders</a></li>
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Photo: Shutterstock

Long Ideas

Options Corner: Intel Hides In Plain Sight Amid The Shifting Geopolitical Spotlight

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Information Technology sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/27/25</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$104.4K</td>
<td>109.7K</td>
<td>244.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CORZ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$76.6K</td>
<td>22.1K</td>
<td>16.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IREN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$13.00</td>
<td>$157.9K</td>
<td>18.6K</td>
<td>9.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRVL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/27/25</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$28.2K</td>
<td>14.1K</td>
<td>8.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/03/25</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
<td>$106.5K</td>
<td>17.5K</td>
<td>5.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$83.3K</td>
<td>16.1K</td>
<td>3.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRCL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/27/25</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$63.6K</td>
<td>2.6K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>QUBT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/03/25</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$41.3K</td>
<td>661</td>
<td>975</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AVGO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/27/25</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>$30.6K</td>
<td>566</td>
<td>974</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
<td>$101.8K</td>
<td>8.2K</td>
<td>706</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 1 day(s) on June 27, 2025. This event was a transfer of 567 contract(s) at a $155.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 18 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $104.4K, with a price of $185.0 per contract. There were 109745 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 244656 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CORZ (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CORZ#NASDAQ">CORZ</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 50 day(s) on August 15, 2025. This event was a transfer of 428 contract(s) at a $15.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $76.6K, with a price of $179.0 per contract. There were 22190 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 16304 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For IREN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IREN#NASDAQ">IREN</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 22 day(s) on July 18, 2025. This event was a transfer of 1500 contract(s) at a $13.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $157.9K, with a price of $106.0 per contract. There were 18664 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 9557 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MRVL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on June 27, 2025. Parties traded 57 contract(s) at a $75.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.2K, with a price of $495.0 per contract. There were 14123 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 8316 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding INTC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 7 day(s) on July 3, 2025. Parties traded 3791 contract(s) at a $23.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 30 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $106.5K, with a price of $28.0 per contract. There were 17553 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 5709 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AMD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 22 day(s) on July 18, 2025. Parties traded 391 contract(s) at a $155.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 35 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $83.3K, with a price of $213.0 per contract. There were 16194 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3159 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CRCL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRCL#NYSE">CRCL</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 1 day(s) on June 27, 2025. This event was a transfer of 30 contract(s) at a $200.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $63.6K, with a price of $2120.0 per contract. There were 2691 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2148 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding QUBT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QUBT#NASDAQ">QUBT</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 7 day(s) on July 3, 2025. Parties traded 516 contract(s) at a $17.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 15 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $41.3K, with a price of $80.0 per contract. There were 661 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 975 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AVGO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 1 day(s) on June 27, 2025. This event was a transfer of 120 contract(s) at a $270.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.6K, with a price of $255.0 per contract. There were 566 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 974 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 568 day(s) on January 15, 2027. Parties traded 51 contract(s) at a $230.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $101.8K, with a price of $1998.0 per contract. There were 8290 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 706 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

CRCL

IREN

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/chip-stocks" rel="noreferrer noopener">Semiconductor equipment maker</a> ASML Holding (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>) is working to develop advanced lithography machines to serve the next-generation chip industry.
The Netherlands-based company and its exclusive optics partner Carl Zeiss are studying designs for machines that could print circuits with a&nbsp;resolution like 5 nanometers in a single exposure, Nikkei Asia <a target="_blank" href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Picks/Interview/ASML-commits-to-developing-even-more-advanced-chipmaking-tools" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> on Thursday, citing ASML executive vice president Jos Benschop.
They expect the technology to meet the industry&#8217;s needs from 2035 and beyond.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/05/45570606/asml-bets-big-on-high-powered-chip-tools-as-taiwan-semiconductor-intel-micron-line-up" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ASML Bets Big On High-Powered Chip Tools As Taiwan Semiconductor, Intel, Micron Line Up</a>
Dutch giant ASML&#8217;s stock has faced significant headwinds, plunging over 27% in the last 12 months. This decline is largely attributable to mounting geopolitical tensions and pervasive macroeconomic uncertainty impacting the global technology sector.
The company has seen its market value diminish by over $130 billion within a year, primarily due to export restrictions to China imposed by the Dutch government, influenced by U.S. pressure aimed at limiting China&#8217;s access to advanced chip technology. Additionally, broader uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs on goods from various countries has contributed to investor apprehension.3
Consequently, multiple Wall Street firms have <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ASML/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">downgraded their ratings</a> for ASML and revised their price forecasts, reflecting concerns about the company&#8217;s immediate growth prospects given the restrictive trade environment.
Meanwhile, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/05/45653729/taiwan-semiconductor-and-intel-weigh-benefits-of-asmls-pricey-chipmaking-equipment" rel="noreferrer noopener">and other chipmakers</a> are still assessing ASML&#8217;s high numerical aperture (NA) machines for use in their most advanced nodes.
Despite the nearly $400 million price tag, almost double that of other equipment, these machines have yet to prove faster or more beneficial than existing chip fabrication tools.
In a notable development, Kevin Zhang from Taiwan Semiconductor rejected using ASML&#8217;s high-NA machines for its A16 node, citing cost concerns, and instead considered using low-NA EUV machines to achieve scaling advantages.
Conversely, Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) plans to adopt the High-NA EUV machine for its 14A process to strengthen its contract chip business and better compete with Taiwan Semiconductor. However, the company noted that customers could still opt for older, well-tested technologies.
Price Action: ASML stock concluded Wednesday&#8217;s trading session higher by 0.23%, closing at $815.24.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46105742/nvidia-supplier-taiwan-semiconductor-wants-to-raise-10-billion-for-this-risk-it-cannot-control" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nvidia Supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Wants To Raise $10 Billion For This Risk It Cannot Control</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

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